The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Vernon A. Eggenburg (ASN: RA-37684398), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 9 March 1951, in the vicinity of Norundau, Korea. On that date he was a section leader for the 60-mm. mortar section of an infantry company which had the mission of furnishing close support to a friendly platoon. After firing a few supporting rounds, the section began to receive enemy mortar fire, and Sergeant Eggenburg, realizing the danger to his section, immediately moved them to more secure positions in cuts and ditches. In doing so he was forced to expose himself in order to supervise the fire of his mortar section. With total disregard for his personal safety, he went from position to position directing and adjusting the fire of his section. While doing so an enemy mortar round mortally wounded him. The gallant conduct of Sergeant Eggenburg on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.