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 Pete Lucas, Jr. (ASN: RA-23829331), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea, on 15 February 1951 in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni. Company G, under overwhelming enemy pressure, was forced to withdraw for a distance of approximately 400 yards. During the withdrawal Private Lucas, a 60-mm. mortar gunner, remained in position and by his extremely accurate fire kept the attacking enemy dispersed. While thus engaging the enemy, he was wounded in the army by hostile fire. Although this hampered his operation of the weapon, he nevertheless tenaciously held fast and continued to render deadly covering fire until the rifle platoons had withdrawn to new defensive positions. The gallantry displayed by Private Lucas reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.