The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Harry J. Hepner, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Service Battery, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hagagu-ri, Korea. On 6 December 1950, with his own unit out of action due to heavy casualties and the entire United Nations Force withdrawing south, Major Heppner was assigned as a liaison officer between Army infantry units and the Marine artillery. To accomplish his assigned duties, Major Heppner continually exposed himself to heavy small arms and mortar fire. While traveling in a truck late in the night, his party was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force. In the ensuing hand-to-hand fighting, Major Heppner and two other men were wounded and the vehicle set on fire. Suffering from his own wound, Major Heppner repelled an enemy attack with his carbine and then evacuated his wounded comrades. On the following day, when he and his party reached the safety of friendly lines, he was ordered evacuated by air for medical treatment but refused, knowing that he was needed in subsequent movement. During the march south, Major Heppner moved with the point of the column and with complete disregard for his personal safety, braved intense enemy small arms fire to regroup vehicles, supplies and personnel and to render valuable assistance toward the mission of joining with friendly forces. The gallantry displayed by Major Heppner reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.