The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Harley Dean Howell, United States Army, for gallantry in action as an assistant squad leader of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on the morning of 13 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagamak, Korea. When a large enemy force attacked, Private First Class Howell picked up an automatic rifle lying nearby and accurately fired it at the attacking force, defending the position until another platoon arrived to reinforce the perimeter. Ignoring the intense enemy fire around him, he then left his position in a courageous charge against the attacking foe. He fired his weapon continuously, inflicting many enemy casualties, before being wounded by small arms and automatic weapons fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Howell, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.