The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Stephen Wood (ASN: 0-1913004), United States Army, for gallantry in action while a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry (Infantry) Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy near Yongdong, Korea, on 25 July 1950. During early morning hours, in an effort to escape a three-pronged enemy trap, the Second Battalion started a withdrawal from their advance positions. Unknown to the withdrawing troops the enemy had set up a strong road block on the escape route and allowed the leading element to pass unmolested, however when the main body of the Battalion approached it was subjected to heavy cross fire by enemy machine guns. Lieutenant Wood, whose platoon was the leading element of the Second Battalion, immediately realized the great danger to all elements of the Battalion as well as the psychological effect of being pinned down in an open area without cover. Without delay, Lieutenant Wood gave orders to his platoon to attack. Armed with hand grenades and a 45 caliber pistol, Lieutenant Wood led his platoon up a steep rock-faced hill directly toward an enemy machine gun nest at the same time shouting directions and encouragement to members of his platoon. Those who were not destroyed in their positions, fled in terror before an attacking force numerically inferior to the enemy forces. This gallant action on the part of Lieutenant Wood and the superior leadership he displayed reflects great credit on himself and the military service.