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 Joseph Rathbone (ASN: US-53102692), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 6 July 1952, near Samgwam-Ni, Korea, a platoon sized patrol from Company K was passing an outpost known as Nori, held by Company I, 3d Battalion, when the entire area was subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage. Seeking cover in the outpost, the patrol immediately set up defenses against the imminent enemy ground assault. During the terrific artillery and mortar bombardment the foe cut through the barbed wire outer defenses of the outpost and made preparations for an assault. As the artillery and mortar fire lifted a bugle sounded, setting off a fanatical charge by an enemy force estimated at company size. In the initial minutes of the fierce fire fight, Private Rathbone, a member of the Company K patrol, had his automatic rifle torn from his grasp by flying grenade shrapnel but undaunted, he secured another weapon and moved through the inner defenses of the outpost when he suddenly encountered an enemy soldier who had filtered into the trenches. Unhesitatingly, Private Rathbone ferociously charged toward the foe with fixed bayonet and engaged him in hand-to-hand combat, rapidly disposing of him. Stirred and inspired by this outstanding display of courage, the men rallied and, with Private Rathbone leading them, engaged the remaining hostile troops who had succeeded in piercing the outpost’s defenses in hand-to-hand combat and drove them from the outpost. Private Rathbone’s courageous and daring leadership personally accounted for three enemy casualties and contributed greatly to the defense of the outpost. His outstanding gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.