The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Stanley A. Durka (ASN: 0-56755), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On the night of 12 April 1952, Captain Durka led his company across the Yokkok River, near Chokko-ri, Korea, and in a raid on enemy-held Hill 121, a mission for which he had worked many long and hard hours training and orienting his men as to their duties and what to expect. He personally led the assault squad of the lead platoon across the swift hazardous river and to the base of Hill 121. After advancing a few yards, the assault squad came under terrific, close range automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire. Sensing that his men were getting confused and disorganized, Captain Durka courageously moved over the fire swept terrain, completely exposed to the hostile fire, shouting fire directions and words of encouragement to the men. Seeing that his “point man” was badly wounded and in a hand-to-hand struggle for his life with an enemy soldier, Captain Durka completely disregarded his own safety as he raced through the enemy infested area to the position of the struggling men, pulled the foe from the wounded man and, after a vicious hand-to-hand battle with rifle butts, he killed the enemy soldier. After carrying the wounded man out of the enemy-held area and leaving him in the care of aidmen, Captain Durka then skillfully directed the withdrawal of the company back to friendly lines. His fearless actions were directly responsible for saving the life of one of his men, for approximately five enemy dead he accounted for personally, and for the success of the company’s mission. Captain Durka’s outstanding gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.