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) Robert J. Drda (ASN: 0-437496), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, near Chaun-ni, Korea. On that date he was platoon leader of his company’s 75-mm. recoilless rifle platoon. Initially, the mission of the platoon was to protect the rear of the battalion and seal off an open sector between the French United Nations Battalion and Company F. During the night the enemy moved onto the ridge and attacked the platoon. Lieutenant Drda ordered the platoon to hold and moved among his men encouraging them to hold at any cost. He remained in this position manning a .50 caliber machine gun until the battalion had cleared, before he ordered the withdrawal of his platoon. Only when the men of his platoon had withdrawn and his ammunition had been expended did he leave his exposed position. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Drda reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.