The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Ernest Dobbins, Jr. (ASN: US-52015346), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 24 November 1951, near Kang So-Ri, Korea, the First Platoon of Company E, 2d Battalion, occupying defensive positions on Hill 355, was attacked by a hostile force, supported by a heavy artillery and mortar barrage. During this assault, several men were wounded and Corporal Dobbins, aid man attached to the first platoon, realizing the men were in need of medical assistance, fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy barrage, as he maneuvered across open terrain to give medical treatment to the wounded. While administering first aid he sustained a wound from enemy artillery fragments, and taking only moments to bind his injury, he continued under the hostile fire to care for and direct the evacuation of his comrades before he submitted himself for evacuation and treatment. The selfless gallantry and courage displayed by Corporal Dobbins reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.