The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Albert E. Cotton (ASN: US-52061767), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 5 August 1952 in the vicinity of Chuk’o-dong, Korea. On that date Sergeant Cotton and elements of his company were patrolling the area around an enemy-held hiss when they encountered intense hostile small arms and mortar fire. When the patrol was ordered to withdraw, Sergeant Cotton noticed that a wounded man was left behind on the hill in an area completely exposed to hostile fire and unable to move. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Cotton unhesitatingly crawled over the hazardous terrain under intense enemy fire to the side of the wounded man. He then carried his comrade over the fire-swept area to a position of safety. His selfless and heroic deed saved his comrade from almost certain death. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Cotton on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.