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 Melvin E. Hanley (ASN: ER-15240415), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Kunom-ni, Korea, on 13 February 1951. His company was given the mission of attacking and securing Hill 584 which had extremely steep ice and snow covered slopes. The enemy in estimated reinforced company strength occupied excellent defensive positions on the finger ridges approaching the hill as well as being in depth atop the objective. His company had advanced to within 50 yards of the objective when heavy enemy interlocking automatic fire pinned down the leading elements. Due to s shortage of small arms ammunition and an ominous enemy counterattack, in overwhelming odds, the company was ordered to withdraw to better defensive positions for the night. After the withdrawal it was soon realized that one of the wounded had inadvertently bee left behind. Private First Class Hanley, a machine gunner, volunteered to go to the man’s aid, although he would have to cross approximately 150 yards of terrain, exposing himself to intense enemy fire as well as to intermittent friendly artillery fire. He covered this distance and using his own body as a covering shield, carried the wounded man back to the cover of a reverse slope, saving his capture by the enemy and making possible his evacuation to an aid station.; Private First Class Hanley’s courageous action and devotion to his fellow man, with utter disregard for his own well being reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Infantry.