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 Lock W. Ireland (ASN: 0-1020393), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On this date overwhelming enemy forces had penetrated our defenses along the Naktong River and were forcing our troops to withdraw. Lieutenant Ireland, a tank platoon leader, was given the mission of supporting the withdrawal of an infantry regiment. During the action he dismounted from h is tank and moved through intense small arms fire to organize his tanks and supporting infantry into a strong defensive position. His complete disregard for his personal safety gave the men of his force the inspiration and an example of courage that enabled them to resist strong enemy attacks for a period of over seven hours. During this time he also led a counterattack which secured high ground and better defensive positions. These positions he held until encirclement was imminent and he was ordered to withdraw. By his aggressive and daring tactics during this engagement he was largely responsible for the success of the tank-infantry team whose defense gained the time necessary for the infantry regiment to form a new line of resistance behind the town of Yongsan. The intrepidity and high degree of leadership displayed on this occasion by Lieutenant Ireland reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.