Major JOHN N. MIDDLEMAS received the Distinguished Service cross for extraordinary heroism while a lieutenant with the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea on 25 April 1951. On that date, the defensive positions of Company A were attacked by a fiercely determined and numerically superior hostile force. The positions were successfully defended, but Lieutenant Middlemas realized that the over-whelming numbers of the enemy would soon make the position untenable. Cognizant of the fact that the hostile troops were preparing for another assault, he unhesitatingly rushed across 150 yards of exposed terrain in an effort to secure reinforcements for his hardpressed men. As he returned with the friendly troops, he was hit and knocked down by the enemy fire. Undaunted, he arose and led the reinforcements to the friendly positions where he stationed them. When the enemy attack came, heavy casualties were inflicted among the hostile troops. Upon receiving the order to withdraw, Lieutenant Middlemas assumed command of the company because the company commander was wounded. Supervising the evacuation of the casualties, he voluntarily led a small group in a rear-guard action in order to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the company. When the withdrawal had been accomplished, Lieutenant Middlemas began to fall back to the friendly lines but observed a wounded soldier too weak to walk. Despite his own wounds, he helped the stricken man back to the friendly positions. The extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Middlemas throughout this action reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Major Middlemas joined the Legion of Valor in 1962 and resides in Connecticut.