The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Gerald W. Hinke (ASN: US-55032756), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, (then attached to Company F), 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Kunmul-gol, Korea. On this date, during an assault on hostile positions, Company F was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force and was forced to withdraw. Due to the hasty withdrawal several seriously wounded men were left behind. After regrouping, Private Hinke volunteered to return to the unit’s abandoned position to evacuate the wounded. Crawling under covering fire he reached a wounded comrade and proceeded to carry him back to safety under a blaze of enemy counter fire. Within a few yards of friendly positions, Private Hinke was painfully wounded but, disregarding his own wound, continued on to safety. Refusing medical aid he returned over the fire-swept area. He was again wounded but continued on until his mission was completed. Private Hinke’s heroic and selfless actions were an inspiration to all who observed him and were responsible for saving the lives of his comrades. The gallantry in action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Private Hinke on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.