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 [then Private First Class] Clarence K. Eppler (ASN: ER-16249563), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951, in the vicinity of Chik-tong, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Eppler was a member of a rifle platoon which was moving up in support of other troops. Upon receipt of orders to advance, Sergeant Eppler volunteered to lead the platoon through a draw covered with mines and trip flares. He was the leading scout of the platoon and always well out in the front. As he was advancing up the draw, he had to cross an open field and expose himself to intense fire from the enemy. Sergeant Eppler, disregarding his own safety, continued to advance under the intense fire until he was ordered to withdraw. Firmly controlling his men while leading them over the rugged terrain and open fields, he returned them to friendly lines with few casualties. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Eppler reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.