The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) David O. Hagerman (ASN: 0-528724), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery C, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. On the night of that date he was a forward observer attached to an engineer unit that was under attack by a numerically superior enemy force. When the ammunition supply was nearly exhausted, the engineers were ordered to withdraw, but Lieutenant Hagerman remained in position until the last man had left while acting as a rear guard for the withdrawal. He then took charge of a group of men who had become separated from the company and was leading them to the rear when they were pinned down by enemy automatic weapons fire. With no thought for his personal safety he exposed himself to the enemy fire and succeeded in destroying the hostile position. He led the group across a river and over to a road, although still under fire by the enemy, who had also crossed the river and followed them for a distance of 500 yards until they were driven back. His initiative and inspiring leadership undoubtedly saved the lives of 31 men and assured prompt evacuation for seven wounded. The gallantry of Lieutenant Hagerman reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.