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] Ira L. Morgan (ASN: RA-14047418), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. On that date his company was subjected to a powerful enemy attack which forced two of its rifle platoons to withdraw. The brunt of the enemy’s assault was now directed at the weapons platoon and, under intense hostile fire, the platoon was also forced to withdraw to commanding ground to its rear. When Sergeant Morgan reached the platoon’s new position, he discovered that the only remaining 60-mm. mortar had been left behind. Without hesitation he plunged forward into the fire-swept terrain to the abandoned piece, retrieved it and started carrying it back. While returning, he was wounded in the leg, but in spite of his intense pain he courageously carried the weapon to the platoon’s new position. Placing the mortar into action, he directed his fire with such accuracy that the destroyed an enemy machine gun nest. He then directed his fire into a platoon of enemy riflemen preparing to launch an assault, killing six and dispersing the remainder. His heroic actions enabled his company to contain the enemy attack, and allowed the rifle platoons sufficient time to launch a counterattack which regained the lost ground. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Morgan reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.