The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Perry S. Wagner (ASN: 0-1312252), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 September 1951 in the vicinity of Samtae-dong, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Wagner was leading his unit in an assault on a heavily fortified enemy-held hill. During this action he observed that another friendly unit was being counterattacked by a numerically superior hostile force. Without hesitating, Lieutenant Wagner immediately ordered his men to prepare to attack the fanatical enemy force and, with complete disregard for his own safety, led them over the fire-swept terrain with fixed bayonet. In the fierce assault, Lieutenant Wagner personally killed several of the enemy, while urging his men forward and shouting words of encouragement. His aggressive leadership and example of bravery under fire so inspired his men that they successfully forced the enemy to abandon its mission and retreat in complete disorder. By his initiative and courageous action the friendly unit was able to withdraw to more tenable positions. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Wagner on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.