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 Master Sergeant [then Private First Class] Alton Earl Harper (ASN: RA-14034967), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 65th Engineer Combat Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 August 1950, a platoon occupying key positions on high ground in the vicinity of Tyaegu, Korea, bore the brunt of a determined assault by numerically superior hostile forces. During the ensuing action the platoon was forced to displace some 500 yards. Heedless of the intensity of the action, Master Sergeant Harper reorganized the scattered elements of the platoon and led them in a counterattack which regained the lost ground and inflicted severe casualties on the enemy. The exemplary leadership, courage and determination displayed by Master Sergeant Harper reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the Army Corps of Engineers.