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 Joseph M. Isom (ASN: ER-52031725), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 23 February 1951 in the vicinity of Sillim-ni, Korea. Private Isom was a member of a combat patrol which was on a probing mission on Hill 402, a key terrain feature. The patrol engaged a large enemy force in a firefight, during which action Private Isom killed six enemy with automatic rifle fire. When the patrol was ordered to withdraw, Private Isom volunteered to remain behind to cover the withdrawal. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he engaged the enemy with a strong base of fire, diverting the hostile fire to himself while his comrades withdrew. Raking the assaulting enemy with deadly bursts of automatic fire, he held them at bay, thereby enabling the patrol to disengage and withdraw to covered positions. The gallantry displayed by Private Isom reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.