The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Benjamin Y. Howell (ASN: RA-20468547), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 19 September 1950 when the company attack on enemy positions in the vicinity of Chingdong-ni, Korea, was halted by heavy enemy resistance, Sergeant First Class Howell moved to the front of his platoon and led them in an assault. Despite the intense hostile fire, he moved among his men, encouraging and inspiring them to continue the assault, and personally knocked out two enemy machine guns and led the platoon to seize the hostile position. Sergeant First Class Howell’s personal courage and outstanding leadership reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.