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 Acel H. Wood (ASN: US-56141443), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 October 1951 in the vicinity of Kongdong, Korea. On that date during an attack on enemy positions, Company I was halted by intense hostile fire from a commanding terrain feature. Sergeant Wood, a squad leader, was given the mission of eliminating the menace. Crawling over the hazardous terrain and under intense hostile fire, he attacked the machine gun position with hand grenades and proceeded into the bunker with fixed bayonet. During the brief encounter, he succeeded in killing the occupants, thus eliminating the danger and enabling friendly troops to continue their advance. The gallantry in action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Wood on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.