The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant [then Corporal] Cecil Wayne Groom (ASN: US-54006001), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date, during an assault upon enemy positions, Sergeant Groom was assigned as a forward observer for the 60-mm. mortar section. On many occasions, he completely exposed himself to intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire in order to better observe the enemy and the results of his mortars. During this engagement, Sergeant Groom was painfully wounded, but refused evacuation knowing well that his services were essential to the mission of the company and the mortar section. Later, while advancing to a position from which he could more readily observe the enemy and the effect of the mortar fire, Sergeant Groom was fatally wounded. The gallantry in action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Groom on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.