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) Albert John Fern, Jr. (ASN: 0-62525), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 23 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On that date, as assistant Battalion S-3, he led a patrol with the mission of obtaining information concerning enemy strength and disposition. As he proceeded down the road, his patrol came under intense fire from an estimated enemy company firmly entrenched on a hill. He deployed his men in such a fashion as to bring a maximum amount of fire power to bear on the enemy positions, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the enemy to withdraw. During the entire action he unhesitatingly exposed himself to the heavy hostile fire, and so inspired his men that they soon routed the numerically superior enemy force. The patrol then continued on to accomplish its mission, and returned with considerable valuable information. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Fern on this occasion reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.




