The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Pat William Crizer (ASN: 0-28578), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 June 1951, near Sason-ni, Korea, Company K was struck by the full fury of a charging enemy attack with the Second Platoon sector receiving the brunt of the lethal assault. After beating back the onrushing enemy troops numerous times, the battered and casualty-riddled platoon gave way and began to fall back to more tenable positions. This action created a gap in the defensive perimeter which greatly weakened the whole line and the other platoons, seeing this, became apprehensive; threatening to fall back and cause the collapse of all opposition to the enemy. Captain Crizer, immediately aware of the desperate nature of the situation, ran through the bullet-swept terrain to the Second Platoon and standing staunchly in the open began calling instructions to the shaken troops urging them to increase their firepower and move forward against the enemy. Noting the many wounded, he ordered them evacuated and when this was done he gathered the remnants of the platoon together leading them to attack the foe. Heedless of bursting grenades which many times knocked him to the ground, he continued to engage the enemy until he realized that he would be forced to withdraw with his exhausted men. He covered their withdrawal and upon returning to the main concentration of friendly troops, he immediately organized a counterattack and led it in a charge against the enemy, forcing the hostile troops to withdraw. Captain Crizer’s consummate gallantry and bold leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Pat William Crizer (ASN: 0-28578), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 5 May 1951, near Sochon, Korea, as Captain Crizer’s company was advancing to seize an enemy-held position, it was suddenly brought under heavy fire from enemy weapons. Disregarding the intense action, Captain Crizer began working his way forward to a nearby ridge and directed his men in returning fire on the enemy strongpoints. Despite the grave danger in his exposed position, he remained on the point and continued to encourage his men to move forward and assault the objective. When two squads had moved forward and eliminated much of the enemy fire, Captain Crizer left his position and led the rest of the company in an attack on the enemy positions, securing the objective. Captain Crizer’s gallantry, courage, and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.