The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Sidney Adolph Peterson (NSN: 2747367), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity and meritorious devotion to duty as Coxswain of a landing craft operating from U.S.S. HORACE A. BASS (APD-124) during a reconnaissance mission on the west coast of Korea, on 19 January 1951. When the reconnaissance party was taken under heavy fire from enemy guerrillas, he skillfully maneuvered his boat to within fifty yards of the hostile shore and calmly maintained the boat in position for recovery of the shore party despite treacherous tidal currents and high winds. In the face of direct fire from the enemy, he steadfastly held his station in control of the boat even though wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety he exposed himself to the intense fire until he was seriously wounded a second time and collapsed after a bullet had shattered his knee. His superb seamanship and cool courage resulted in the rescue of many men who would otherwise have perished in the frigid waters. His actions reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.