The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Wyllis (Willis) Paul Rogers (ASN: NG-14043015), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 23 – 24 November 1951, Company F was defending its positions near Kowang-san, Korea when it was subjected to a tremendous barrage of hostile artillery and mortar fire. Shortly after the beginning of the barrage the enemy attacked in vicious charges. Disregarding the intense fire Sergeant Rogers, a squad leader, moved about the embattled terrain, shouting words of encouragement and directing the fire of his men. As the assault progressed, the enemy succeeded in infiltrating the friendly positions and endangering their safe defense. Detecting one of the hostile snipers firing an automatic-weapon at his squad, Sergeant Rogers, with utter disregard for his personal safety, fixed bayonet and crawled slowly through the withering hail of fire in search of the ruthless foe. Unable to find the sniper, he returned to his position. Because of darkness the enemy was temporarily silenced but on the following morning he again began firing on the friendly positions. Making another attempt to locate the sniper, Sergeant Rogers fearlessly crawled from his position but before reaching the fanatical foe he was mortally wounded by the explosion of two hostile mortar rounds. Sergeant Rogers’ incredible display of gallantry in protecting his men reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.