The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant [then Corporal] Harmon D. Hodge (ASN: RA-13165538), United States Army, for heroic achievement as a member of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, distinguished himself, in action on 12 September 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On this date Sergeant Hodge’s platoon had the mission of securing an enemy-held hill. As the unit advanced in the attack, it was suddenly pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire from well entrenched enemy bunkers. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, sergeant Hodge, voluntarily and with complete disregard for his personal safety, assaulted the enemy emplacements, throwing hand grenades and firing his rifle. Undaunted by the intense enemy fire directed at him, Sergeant Hodge continued his action until all the bunkers were disabled and their occupants killed. As a result of his courageous actions, his unit was able to continue in the advance and successfully accomplish its mission. The heroism and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hodge on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.