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 (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Jerry L. King (ASN: 0-1915080), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 15 August 1952, a platoon of Company K, 3d Battalion, of which Lieutenant King was the Platoon leader, was assigned the mission of assaulting enemy positions on a hill in the vicinity of Chokko-ri, Korea. Upon coming within close range of the objective, Lieutenant King ordered his men to dig defensive positions. Disregarding his personal safety, he crawled through fierce hostile small arms and grenade fire to a forward position where he remained a considerable period of time effectively directing and adjusting friendly artillery fire upon the well-entrenched foe. Then employing courageous and aggressive leadership, he fearlessly led his men in a ferocious charge upon the enemy. During the ensuing conflict, he frequently dashed through the murderous counterfire of the hostile forces to within a few feet of their trenches where he hurled grenades upon the sheltered foe, inflicting numerous casualties among them. Inspired by Lieutenant King’s intrepid actions, the friendly elements quickly dashed up the hill, overran the enemy positions, and succeeded in rendering many more casualties among the hostile forces. When the friendly forces ammunition became exhausted and the enemy threatened to counterattack on their left flank, Lieutenant King directed their withdrawal and supervised the successful evacuation of the casualties. Lieutenant King’s conspicuous gallantry, undaunted actions, and inspirational leadership greatly enhanced the success of the friendly unit’s mission and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.