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 Mike Joseph Ybarra (ASN: US-55001844), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 25 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. During an attack against enemy-held high ground Sergeant Ybarra’s company was counterattacked by numerically superior enemy forces and received orders to withdraw. Sergeant Ybarra, a 57-mm. recoilless rifle squad leader, voluntarily remained behind to cover the withdrawal. After expending his 57-mm. ammunition, he picked up an abandoned automatic rifle and moved toward the enemy who were attempting to flank the company. From an extremely exposed position he engaged the advancing enemy, raking them with automatic rifle fire and preventing them from enveloping the withdrawing company. As a result of his heroic action, the company effected an orderly withdrawal and evacuated all its casualties. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Ybarra reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.