The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Michael William Cariglia, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Chengayong, Korea on 18 September 1950. At about 1600 hours on 18 September 1950, the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, 23rd Infantry Regiment, was crossing the Paktong River to reconnoiter roads and observe the disposition of the enemy on the west side of the river. While crossing the river in a wooden boat, the patrol was subject to enemy machine gun and small arms fire. Abandoning their boat in the middle of the river, the members of the patrol made for the east bank, finally reaching it with one man badly wounded and the entire group under extremely heavy small arms fire. Chaplain Cariglia, who had been observing the action Immediately ran to the beach and, noting that the men were in a state of disorganization and confusion, personally directed them to defensive potions. He then obtained a stretcher, placed the wounded man on it, and taking no heed of concentrated enemy fire, dragged him to a safe potion. During this entire action, which was conducted under the most trying circumstances, Chaplain Cariglia consoled and reassured the wounded men. His prompt action unquestionably saved the life of the injured man, and his tactical efficiency in performing voluntarily a command function outside the scope of his moral duties was major factor in the evacuation of the entire patrol. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Cariglia, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.