The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gilbert V. Davila (ASN: US-56099093), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 26 March 1952, Company G dispatched a platoon size patrol with a mission of contacting the enemy on Hill 168 in the vicinity of Chongjachon, Korea. Private Davila, serving as point man for the patrol, safely led it through mine fields to the base of the hill. As the patrol advanced toward the top of the hill it was suddenly subjected to a withering hail of enemy automatic-weapons, grenade, and small-arms fire. Spotting one of the hostile positions that was pinning the friendly force down, Private Davila completely disregarded his personal safety as he voluntarily crawled under the lethal hail of bullets directly toward the enemy weapon. Although painfully wounded by an exploding grenade fragment, he fearlessly continued onward to a point near the enemy position. While lying on the ground he accurately threw grenades into the hostile entrenchment and then standing in an upright position, fired his weapon at the enemy stronghold until it was completely destroyed. After this obstacle was eliminated, the patrol was able to move forward and complete successfully its mission. Private Davila’s outstanding gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.