The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Robert Melvin Ancel (ASN: 12325428), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 December 1950, near Hukau-ri, North Korea. On that date, Private Ancel did, without personal regard for his own safety, expose himself to intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire, in order to retrieve vital signal equipment which had been left in the Company G’s positions when those positions were overrun by numerically superior enemy forces. After the physically exhausting trek up the steep slope and return, Private Ancel discovered that his unit was in the process of withdrawing. He found a place on a vehicle, but after moving only a few yards he gave the place to a wounded man whom he noticed limping by. Private Ancel was last seen by his comrades trudging up the steep mountain road. Private Ancel’s display of coolness and courage in the face of withering enemy fire and his concern for a wounded comrade were an inspiration to his fellow men. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.