The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James E. Gehr (ASN: RA-15298850), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Panmegi-ri, Korea. On that date, when his company’s positions were attacked by a numerically superior enemy force and the company was forced to withdraw, Private Gehr voluntarily remained behind to cover the withdrawal of his comrades. Throughout this delaying action, Private Gehr was exposed to intense enemy fire. His tenacious stand materially contributed to the successful restoration of the lines of his company with a minimum of losses. The heroism in action demonstrated by Private Gehr on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.