The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Ingram Gurfein (ASN: 0-23734), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the period 14 September to 13 October 1951 in the vicinity of Suim-myon, Korea. During this period he served as Regimental Executive Officer of the unit, engaged in combat operations against a fanatically determined and numerically superior enemy force. Throughout the bigger struggle for the “Heartbreak Ridge”, Colonel Gurfein supervised the administration of supplies from the rear up to the breach of the rifle units. He made frequent trips through the rifle companies, under the intense enemy artillery, mortar, small arms and automatic weapons fire, to ascertain their conditions and morale. He walked every foot of the front lines in daylight, under hostile fire, as an example to the men. Although his duties as Executive Officer did not include such actions, his voluntary and frequent front line reconnaissance was an inspiration to the men of the unit and contributed greatly to the success of their mission. The gallantry and selfless devotion to the welfare of his men displayed by Colonel Gurfein on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Ingram Gurfein (ASN: 0-23734), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the G-3 Section of X Army Corps, in action against the enemy during the landings at Inchon, Korea, in September 1950. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Gurfein, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.