The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Field Artillery) Melville Brown Coburn (ASN: 0-19973), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3d Infantry Division Artillery, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early afternoon hours of 19 May 1953, while preparing to conduct artillery fire against enemy fortifications in the vicinity of Sangjin-ni, Korea. Colonel Coburn and his party were subjected to intense hostile fire. Without regard for his personal safety, Colonel Coburn dispersed the members of the party to positions that would afford cover and personal protection. He then further exposed himself by driving a truck, containing radio and fire control equipment, which was in imminent danger of being destroyed by bracketing enemy fire, to a protected area. He ordered the other members to remain protected while he moved the vehicle to a position of safety. While thus exposing himself, he was further subjected to direct fire around the vehicle. Two rounds of artillery shells landed within a few feet of the truck. As a result several thousand dollars worth of government equipment was saved. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Coburn, 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.