The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Rodney G. Hayler, Jr. (ASN: 0-60528), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 5 March 1951 in the vicinity of Tokko-sun, Korea. Lieutenant Hayler had assumed command of Company E and was ordered to attack through another company which had been halted by an estimated 200 well-entrenched enemy. Organizing his company, Lieutenant Hayler gave the command to fix bayonets and intrepidly charged at the head of his company into the heavy enemy fire. Demoralized by the spirited assault, the enemy withdrew from his entrenched positions and fled before the bayonet-wielding troops. After seizing the objective, Lieutenant Hayler consolidated the position in preparation to defend against an enemy counterattack. The gallantry and audacious leadership of Lieutenant Hayler were a source of great inspiration to his troops and reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.