The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Ralph Atkins (ASN: US-53103962), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the night of 14 June and early morning hours of 15 June 1953, in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea, enemy forces had attacked and penetrated a segment of the United Nations main line of resistance. In order to assist in forcing the foe from these positions, Sergeant Atkins volunteered to lead a relief group to aid and reinforce friendly elements which had been pinned down by intense enemy mortar and artillery fire. Arriving at the contested sector, he aggressively led the men into close combat with the enemy. Engaging the foe, he mortally wounded one with his bayonet and dispatched four more with accurate carbine fire and hand grenades. He courageously continued to fight until the enemy had been driven from the line. Sergeant Atkins’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.