The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal Eddie Lee Bouknight, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Corporal Bouknight distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces Taptong-ni, Korea, on 20 September 1952. While spearheading an attack to secure “Old Baldy,” Corporal Bouknight’s platoon advanced through an open draw and up a sandy slope under intense mortar and artillery fire to a predetermined point below the crest of the key terrain. While readying defensive positions to reorganize for the assault, the platoon was subjected to heavy enemy fire from strongly fortified emplacements. Sergeant Bouknight covered the platoon with automatic rifle fire against hostile positions while his unit regrouped to resume the attack. When his weapon burned out from continuous firing, he obtained a rifle and charged ahead with the platoon. Despite wounds received in this action, he assisted in evacuating casualties after the crest was captured. While the newly won positions were being consolidated, the enemy launched a strong counterattack. Observing an unmanned machine gun, he picked up the weapon and moved forward, firing with deadly accuracy and inflicting many casualties on the enemy, thereby materially contributing to the successful breaking of the counterattack and forcing the enemy to withdraw. Sergeant Bouknight’s unflinching courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.