The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Horace William West (ASN: 0-2005251), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 24th Infantry Division. Captain West distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Pisi-gol, Korea, on 25 April 1951. On that date, Company A was moving forward with a truck convoy when it was suddenly ambushed by a fanatical and numerically superior hostile force, supported by intense mortar, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire. Ordering his men to dismount from the vehicles, Captain West quickly reorganized them and led them in a daring assault against the well-entrenched enemy force occupying the ridgeline. Although painfully wounded in this action, he led his men forward again and again, inflicting heavy casualties among the enemy troops until the strategic disadvantages of the position held by the friendly force made it necessary for them to withdraw to the road. Immediately, Captain West deployed his men in a perimeter defense and constantly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire in order to move among his men with words of encouragement. Successfully coordinating the fire of his men and assisting in the evacuation of the wounded, Captain West’s personal example of fearlessness inspired his troops to repulse the repeated assaults of the foe and inflict heavy casualties on them. Although growing weak from his wounds, he steadfastly remained with his men, instilling in them determination and confidence which enabled them to aggressively resist the on-rushing hostile troops until armor and infantry reinforcements were able to arrive and help rout the enemy. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Captain West on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.