The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Marvin Koppelman (ASN: RA-12302259), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 13th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action at Taejon, Korea, on 20 July 1950. Private First Class Koppelman’s unit had been defending the air strip north of Taejon when it received orders to take its weapons and equipment through the town and to withdraw to new positions. During the passage through the town, which was then burning and partially in the hands of the enemy, the convoy was held up by a road block consisting of automatic weapons. Private First Class Koppelman dismounted from his vehicle and taking a 3.5 inch rocket launcher, fired it until the road block was completely reduced. The convoy again started down the street. After going one block, it was again held up by at least two automatic weapons firing from a bank building. Again Private First Class Koppelman dismounted and reduced the road block by fire from his rocket launcher. By his gallant actions under fire, he enabled his battery to withdraw through the town of Taejon with comparatively light casualties. He brought great credit to himself and to the military service.