The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Earl H. Diehl (ASN: 0-2011724), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 April 1951, Lieutenant Diehl and the second section of his machine gun platoon, attached to Company G, 2d Battalion, were occupying defensive positions near Taejon-ni, Korea. During the hours of darkness an overwhelming hostile force attacked the positions, the brunt of the assault falling in Lieutenant Diehl’s position. He slowed the attack by directing the fires of his weapons effectively, personally manning one machine gun himself, and then led two carrying parties through the intense hostile barrage to obtain a re-supply of ammunition. When an order was received to withdraw, he directed his men down the hill but they were attacked, from the left flank, by another large hostile group. Deploying his men as riflemen, he led a counterattack against the foe inflicting heavy casualties which resulted in the enemy’s withdrawal. Reorganizing the section, he brought it safely through enemy-infested terrain to friendly lines. Lieutenant Diehl’s superb gallantry, outstanding leadership and courage reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.