The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Benjamin Otto Turnage, Jr. (ASN: 0-20360), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, in 1952, during a period when it was believed that the Communists had prepared to launch an offensive against the sector occupied by his regiment. The defense of this sector was so tactically important that Colonel Turnage personally checked every fortification and entrenchment, thereby assuring that all possible defensive measures had been taken. His presence among dug-in troops all along the line was a great morale factor during the long wait for the enemy assault. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Turnage, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.