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] Sterling J. Fockler (ASN: RA-35387581), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 24th Reconnaissance Company, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Chonghyiwon, Korea, on 7 July 1950. While his squad was on a blocking mission it came under intense enemy fire and one of his comrades was seriously wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety he shielded the wounded man with his own body while applying first aid. This man’s condition was so serious, Sergeant Fockler realized that unless he was given immediate medical treatment, he would lose his life. Without hesitation, he lifted his wounded comrade into his arms and courageously using himself as a shield, carried him across 100 yards of open terrain, covered by a veritable rain of enemy fire, to a medical aid station. This outstanding act of courageous devotion to a wounded comrade on the part of Sergeant Fockler reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.