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 Sergeant First Class Ocie Washington Cooksie (ASN: RA-38035223), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 13 March 1952, Sergeant Cooksie, a squad leader, was returning to friendly lines with his men after completing a successful ambush patrol against the enemy near Kojanhari-Saemai, Korea. Realizing that the area through which they would have to pass was infested with mines, he voluntarily moved out ahead of the patrol, reconnoitering and searching for a safe path for his men to follow. After having covered approximately forty yards, Sergeant Cooksie detonated one of the buried mines and was instantly mortally wounded. His self-sacrifice and disregard for personal safety saved the other members from the same fate. Sergeant Cooksie’s gallantry and inspirational leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.