John A. Gladu

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John A. Gladu (1224687), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company in the FIRST Marine Division, in Korea, on 4 – 5 September 1952. Serving as a Squad Leader on a combat outpost, Private First Class Gladu displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. When the position was subjected to intense enemy artillery and mortar fire followed by two ruthless enemy ground attacks, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and moved about the position firing on the enemy and throwing hand grenades. He shouted words of encouragement to his comrades and fearlessly exposed himself to the assaulting troops, in order to deliver covering fire to enable a friendly listening post, cut off by the attack, to return to the perimeter of defense. As the enemy artillery and mortar fire increased in intensity, he unhesitatingly crawled through the blanketing fire to help a critically wounded Marine. Private First Class Gladu’s selfless act was instrumental in saving his comrade’s life and his gallant and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.