Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 398 (August 4, 1951)
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) Gerald Patrick Horne (ASN: 0-2016891), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 18 through 26 May 1951, in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. During this period he was a member of an infantry company which had the mission of blocking an attack by a numerically superior enemy force. When the unit on the left flank collapsed under the heavy pressure, the enemy immediately concentrated his attacks on that side and to the rear. Realizing that many casualties would result unless the attack was halted, Lieutenant Horne advanced to an extremely exposed position from where he skillfully maneuvered his leading squads through the heavy hostile fire and led his men in an aggressive and determined holding action in which many casualties were inflicted on the enemy and the main body of the unit withdrew with a minimum of friendly casualties. Several of those who were wounded were litter cases necessitating slow movement. Lieutenant Horne, disregarding his own foot injuries which made walking difficult, voluntarily elected to remain behind to direct and aid their evacuation. Early the following morning the enemy surrounded and captured the group. Lieutenant Horne continued to display superior qualities of leadership in keeping the group intact while securing medicines and food from their captors. After five days of captivity and with assurance that the wounded were being afforded the best treatment possible under the circumstances, Lieutenant Horne joined an escape party and successfully returned to friendly lines after three days of hazardous travel. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Horne reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.