The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Obie Mack Gaines (ASN: RA-34804080), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date his company was attacked by a powerful enemy force. The rifle squad led by Corporal Gaines was directly in the path of the enemy assault. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Gaines arose from his position and began to hurl hand grenades at the onrushing enemy. Under intense hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire, he held his position, throwing grenades until the enemy was driven back with heavy loses to reorganize. After reorganizing, the enemy attacked again and Corporal Gaines, having expended his grenades, stood upright and faced the advancing enemy with his rifle. Intrepidly standing fast in the face of overwhelming odds, he fired into the enemy ranks, causing great casualties, until his position was overrun and he was killed. The gallantry and self sacrifice of Corporal Gaines in his heroic attempt to hold the line against overwhelming numbers reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.