A United States of America Silver Star and Purple Heart pair awarded to Master Sergeant John P. Pappas, 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, who displayed gallantry in action on 23 December 1950 in the vicinity of Sinbul-san, Korea

United States of America, Silver Star, gilt with central silver star, machine-engraved ‘John P. Pappas’, slot brooch; Purple Heart, gilt and enamel, slot brooch, unnamed, in case of issue, good very fine (2) £200-£240

John P. Pappas, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea, while serving with the 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, on 23 December 1950.

General Orders: Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 349 (1951)
‘Master Sergeant John P. Pappas, RA35999845, (then Sergeant), Army Medical Service, a member of Clearing Company, 2d Medical Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, displayed gallantry in action on 23 December 1950 in the vicinity of Sinbul-san, Korea. On that date Sergeant Pappas was attached to a unit of the Republic of Korea Army. The unit was assigned the mission of destroying an enemy guerrilla band disrupting the main supply route from Pusan northward. During the attack the commanding officer was killed, causing disorganization among the men. Sergeant Pappas with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to reorganize the unit to lead the attack in a successful completion of the mission. Through intense enemy fire Sergeant Pappas moved about directing medical care and the evacuation of the wounded. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Pappas reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.’

Pappas later served in Vietnam.