The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Gerard W. Beardsley (ASN: 0-1315132), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 24 November 1951, elements of Company C were given the mission of securing and holding the west peak of Hill 355, near Maktae-Dong, Korea. Under intense enemy grenade, mortar, artillery and machine gun fire, Lieutenant Beardsley led the assault platoon to its objective. Ignoring his personal safety, he moved about under the devastating enemy fire, selecting positions and fields of fire for the weapons of his platoon. While in the process of organizing his platoon in preparation for the expected enemy counter-attack, he was seriously wounded in the thigh by a mortar shell fragment. Refusing medical aid, he remained with his men, shouting words of encouragement which so inspired the platoon that the first counter-attack was successfully repelled. After receiving the order from the Company Commander to report to the aid station he encountered a number of demoralized and wounded men who were hugging the ground for protection. He quickly took command, directed the men out of the impact area and also assisted one seriously wounded man to the aid station. The courage he displayed served as an inspiration to the men and directly accounted for the complete annihilation of a large number of the enemy. Lieutenant Beardsley’s outstanding gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.