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 Homer Ray Ballou (ASN: RA-15429325), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 October 1951 in the vicinity of Kung-dong, Korea. On this date Company K was attacking vital positions defended by a determined hostile force. As the unit neared the objective, the leading elements requested more grenades. Private Ballou immediately volunteered for the task and made repeated trips through the intense hostile fire to deliver the vital supply, enabling the attack to continue. In the assault which followed, Private Ballou and five other men attempted to secure the objective in the face of direct hostile small arms fire. Disregarding his personal safety, Private Ballou continued forward and was the only man who succeeded in going over the objective. During the ensuing action, while driving the enemy soldiers from their positions he was fatally wounded. His dauntless courage and self-sacrificing devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him and were highly responsible for the success of his unit in securing its objective. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Ballou reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.