The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jess S. Hershberger (ASN: RA-19260116), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kaechon-ni, Korea. On that date Corporal Hershberger was attached with his mortar to a rifle company. The company was subjected to a fierce assault and was forced to withdraw under heavy enemy pressure. Corporal Hershberger, displaying complete indifference for his personal safety and to the hostile mortar and small arms fire, set up his 4.2 inch mortar in full view of the attacking enemy. Aided by another soldier he began firing with deadly accuracy upon the onrushing enemy. The fire he delivered blunted the enemy’s drive and protected the rifle company’s right flank during its successful disengagement. The route of withdrawal lay through a roadblock which the enemy had set up to the company’s rear. Corporal Hershberger voluntarily made a reconnaissance of the roadblock and then led a patrol through the enemy lines to establish contact with other regimental units. His actions prevented the enemy from organizing in sufficient strength and permitted the rifle elements to effect an orderly withdrawal, with all its vehicles and wounded personnel. The gallantry and initiative under severe enemy fire displayed by Corporal Hershberger reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.