The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Private First Class] Chris L. Gout, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations, while serving with Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 24 December 1951, in Korea. As a member of a platoon patrol, Sergeant Gout was moving toward the objective when the patrol was pinned down by a heavy volume of machine gun fire by one of the many enemy outposts along the route of advance. With complete disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to the enemy gun fire and, using his rifle, killed the entire crew operating the machine gun. After silencing the machine gun, he reorganized his widely dispersed squad. Then, as the patrol moved toward the objective area and became the target of intense automatic weapons and mortar fire, it withdrew. Again Sergeant Gout demonstrated indomitable courage and determination by remaining behind to cover the platoon’s withdrawal. After assisting wounded men to a safe area, he went forward a second time through heavy automatic weapons fire and provided covering fire for two medics who were pinned down with a wounded man which enabled these men to return safely to the friendly lines. Sergeant Gout’s heroic conduct, his profound concern for his fellow soldiers, and his gallantry on the battlefield are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.