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 Howard W. Culbertson (ASN: RA-16242432), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 140th Tank Battalion, 40th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on Hill 812, Korea, during the period 1 June to 2 June 1953. Following a vicious and concentrated enemy attack, Sergeant Culbertson voluntarily organized a tank crew to move into position and help relieve the besieged tanks. Upon reaching the embattled tanks, Sergeant Culbertson proceeded to engage the enemy with all tank weapons. After several hours of fighting, Sergeant Culbertson became aware that two crewmen from disabled tanks were trapped in a sleeping bunker. Sergeant Culbertson maneuvered his tank to a position near the bunker and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, courageously dismounted, located the trapped crewmen and mounting them in his tank continued to engage the enemy with all tank weapons. The heroic actions of Sergeant Culbertson saved two men from possible death or capture. The gallantry and calm demeanor of Sergeant Culbertson served as an inspiration to all and won for him the respect and admiration of his superiors and subordinates alike. The undaunted determination and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Culbertson reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.