The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Joseph D. Harrison (ASN: RA-44075839), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 10th Engineer Combat Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 26 May 1951, near Habae-jae, Korea, Sergeant Harrison, as Platoon Sergeant of an engineer unit engaged in removing mines in front of a tank patrol, instantly took command after the platoon leader had been seriously wounded by small arms fire from enemy positions concealed on the high ground surrounding the narrow mountain road. Despite the hail of bullets falling in the area, Sergeant Harrison skillfully led his platoon for approximately five hours to a successful completion of the assigned mission without further casualties. Sergeant Harrison’s gallant leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.