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 First Class Floyd E. Cockrell (ASN: RA-36023227), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 27 November 1950, Company E was subjected to intense hostile attack on a hill near Ipsok, Korea. Realizing that his men might be overrun and the task force command poste endangered, Sergeant First Class Cockrell manned a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a tank. Although exposed directly to the continuing artillery, mortar and small arms fire, he delivered such effective counterfire that he held off he initial attack. Then reorganizing his men, distributing ammunition, and securing his area, he again manned the gun which became a primary target for hostile fire. By his exemplary valor and skill, he enabled his men to withstand repeated banzai attacks for four hours and successfully maintained the key terrain. Sergeant First Class Cockrell’s courageous leadership and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.