The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Richard Giles Stilwell (ASN: 0-21085), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 9 December 1952, Colonel Stilwell, Commanding Officer of the 15th Infantry Regiment, was informed that a patrol of Company C had suffered numerous casualties upon encountering an enemy ambush in the vicinity of Mundae, Korea. Immediately leaving his position of comparative safety, he passed through treacherous unmarked mine fields to meet members of the ambushed patrol as they were returning to the command post with their wounded. There, under hostile mortar and artillery fire, he spoke to the haggard men and obtained information concerning the enemy aggression. With the needed information, he hurried back to the company area and dispatched a second patrol to recover those killed in action and their equipment. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Stilwell accompanied the friendly unit through the intense hostile fire to the outpost, remaining there until radio and wire communications were assured. Returning alone through the hazardous mined area, he reorganized the demoralized company into a smooth functioning organization. When the patrol returned, he again defied the hostile fire as he crossed the treacherous terrain to greet and instruct the men. Colonel Stilwell’s outstanding gallantry and inspiring leadership was instrumental in the recovery of the patrol’s mortally wounded and much of its lost equipment and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.