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 Corporal Fred Earl Cookson (ASN: ER-21000322), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 3d Reconnaissance Company, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 14 February 1951, in the vicinity of Tunjon-ni, Korea, just before daylight Corporal Cookson, at his outpost, detected a strong enemy force moving toward his company. Realizing that many of the men in his unit were still asleep, Corporal Cookson rushed to the nearby position to warn them. By his efforts to awaken the company, he attracted the attention of the assaulting force. He was attacked by a large group of the enemy and killed several of them in hand-to-hand combat before falling mortally wounded. His actions saved the lives of many of his comrades and gave them the sorely needed opportunity to occupy defensive positions. Corporal Cookson’s outstanding bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.