The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Roy F. Thorstensen (ASN: 0-1182980), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 13th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sanjung-ni, Korea, on 4 February 1951. The infantry battalion with which First Lieutenant Thorstensen was serving as forward artillery observer was withdrawing from its perimeter inside enemy lines. During an intense enemy mortar barrage his radio and equipment were destroyed and without any form of communication he was unable to continue his direction of artillery on the enemy positions. Observing that the leader of the infantry platoon in his immediate vicinity had become a casualty he immediately assumed command of the unit. Completely disregarding personal safety he exposed himself to intense small arms and mortar fire and began to build up a firing line and organize the platoon to resist the advancing enemy. Moving from man to man he pointed out new targets as they appeared and under his fearless leadership the platoon inflicted heavy casualties on the numerically superior enemy, successfully defending its sector of the company front, and aiding immeasurably in the withdrawal of the battalion. In this gallant action he personally killed ten of the enemy. First Lieutenant Thorstensen’s courageous actions, devotion to duty, and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Artillery.