The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] Joseph P. Milligan (ASN: RA-33267302), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 March 1951, in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea. Company B was assigned the mission of occupying and holding key, commanding ground. Strong, aggressive enemy patrols, supported by automatic weapons and mortar fire, began probing the positions of the 3d platoon. These patrols succeeded in closing with the platoon in an attempt to drive the friendly units from the hill. Sergeant Milligan voluntarily left his position of relative security to move among his men, re-supplying them with ammunition, designating targets, and encouraging them. His actions rallied his men to repel four enemy attacks. The gallant conduct displayed by Sergeant Milligan reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.