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 (Signal Corps) Rodney E. Gannon (ASN: 0-2021107), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of 2d Signal Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 August 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On this date Lieutenant Gannon, signal communication officer, was attached to the 36th ROK Regiment, which had the mission of defending its position against enemy attacks. Upon arrival at the top of Hill 773, Lieutenant Gannon found the friendly troops demoralized and disorganized while undergoing intense hostile fire and were preparing to abandon their positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety and constantly exposing himself to the enemy fire, he fired his pistol upon the enemy in an attempt to prevent the unauthorized withdrawal. Despite the intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire he moved among the men encouraging them and directing their fire. As a result of his aggressive leadership and dauntless courage he succeeded in stopping the withdrawal of friendly forces and prevented the strategic hill from falling into enemy hands. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Gannon on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.