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 Nelson E. Desper (ASN: RA-13240438), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 25 July 1952, near Koyangdae, Korea, Sergeant Desper had his squad in position on the listening post on outpost “Kelly” when they were attacked by an estimated enemy reinforced company. Because of visibility of only about twenty yards, the foe had silently advanced very close to friendly positions before commencing the assault. Immediately upon hearing the enemy open fire, Sergeant Desper ran to his men’s positions and directed their fire. Despite the lethal hail of fire from the friendly positions the relentless foe surged forward and several succeeded in reaching the trenches. One of the hostile soldiers jumped into the trench and began firing an automatic weapon, wounding one man. Sergeant Desper quickly disposed of the enemy soldier, then ran down the trench to his wounded comrade and, while carrying him to a point from which he could be evacuated, a burst of enemy small arms fire knocked his helmet off, broke the stock of his rifle and creased his ear. Undaunted, Sergeant Desper took the wounded man’s weapon and continued to carry him through the deadly fire while at the same time firing at the enemy with the carbine in his free hand. After getting the man to safety, Sergeant Desper reorganized his squad for a counterattack but after a brief fire fight they were ordered to withdraw to a more defensible position due to the numerical superiority of the foe. Sergeant Desper’s outstanding gallantry, exemplary leadership and untiring devotion to his fellow-soldiers in the face of the enemy fire reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.