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] Karl W. Pyle (ASN: RA-45014379), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 4 August 1951, while flying on an observation mission over hostile territory near Songha-ri, Korea, Sergeant Pyle and the pilot of his plane were subjected to intense enemy small arms fire which instantly disabled the plane and wounded the aviator. After the plane had crash-landed in a rice paddy, Sergeant Pyle, immediately contacting friendly forces by radio, gave their position and other pertinent data. Proceeding from the crashed plane toward friendly territory, the men were continually subjected to hostile fire, and when the wounded pilot succumbed to exhaustion from loss of blood, Sergeant Pyle, utilizing the aircraft’s emergency medical supplies, administered first aid. Continuing the trek, the men were fording a stream when the pilot collapsed in deep water, necessitating a mid-stream rescue by his comrade. By this time, friendly aircraft having located the men from the radio message, gave air cover until a helicopter arrived, effecting the rescue of both men. Sergeant Pyle’s gallantry and resolute courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.