The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Watt Adkins, Jr. (ASN: RA-13889344), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. While serving with the 27th Infantry Regiment on 16 September 1950, Corporal Adkins accompanied a patrol deep into enemy territory in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. As the patrol neared its objective it was subjected to intense hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire which forced its members to seek cover. Observing that two enemy machine guns were providing the greatest volume of fire, he crossed the fire-swept terrain to obtain a rocket launcher. Taking up a position in an exposed area, he fired three rounds which annihilated the two hostile machine gun emplacements. Corporal Adkins’ indomitable courage and staunch devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of the patrol’s mission and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.