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 First Class Jack F. Hanawalt (ASN: US-52112364), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 24 November 1952, Company I, 3d Battalion, of which Sergeant Hanawalt was a member, was assigned the mission of occupying positions on “Jackson Heights”, in the vicinity of Hak Tong-Ni, Korea. Upon securing their objective, the enemy forces attempted to infiltrate their positions. An exchange of grenade fire ensued during which Sergeant Hanawalt was wounded but refused evacuation. When a hostile grenade landed in the trench with Sergeant Hanawalt and four of his fellow soldiers, he unhesitatingly grabbed the grenade to throw it out. The grenade exploded as it left his fingers, seriously wounding his hand but causing no harm to his companions. As a result of Sergeant Hanawalt’s action, four of his fellow soldiers were saved from possible mortal injury. Sergeant Hanawalt’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.