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 [then Corporal] Robert C. Autio, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hudong-ni, Korea. On 29 September 1951, Sergeant Autio accompanied a combat patrol on the mission of destroying strategic enemy positions. As the patrol approached the objective, it was pinned down by enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire. Sergeant Autio, heedless of the concentrated enemy fire and with complete disregard for his personal safety, charged at the enemy positions, firing his rifle rapidly and hurling many grenades. His furious single-handed assault killed three enemy soldiers and forced the remainder to flee from their positions in disorder. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Autio reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.