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 (Corps of Engineers) Ben Harvey, Jr. (ASN: 0-40688), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 3d Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, near Tumok, Korea, during the period 13 through 15 October 1951. One of his companies had the mission of extending a road approximately five miles to enable tanks, artillery and mortars to move forward and give critically needed fire support to attacking infantry elements. Despite a concentrated sporadic hail of enemy small arms and artillery fire, Colonel Harvey personally supervised the operation. With complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly subjected himself to extreme physical danger to make reconnaissance through enemy minefields and under enemy observation, and continually exposed himself to hostile fire to direct the laying out of the route and to conduct its construction. Displaying outstanding determination and high professional skill, he quickly overcame problems of minefields, equipment breakdowns and precipitous terrain. Under his fearless, expert supervision, his men worked with inspired enthusiasm and accomplished the difficult task with outstanding success. Colonel Harvey’s gallant actions, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of the company’s mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.