The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Keith C. Karschney (ASN: RA- 16320244), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 15 February 1951, near Chipyong-ni, Korea. On that date he was a member of an infantry company which was making a coordinated tank-infantry attack to restore positions lost the previous night. During this attack, the tanks were halted because of a mine field to their front, and without the supporting fire of the tanks, the infantrymen could not advance. Several attempts were made to advance far enough to cover the men while removing the mines, but all such attempts were unsuccessful. Private Karschney and three other men immediately volunteered to go forward and remove the mines, disregarding completely their personal safety and the enemy fire falling around them. Tanks were moved along giving them supporting fire, but the enemy continued to incense the fire around them. In spite of this fire, the men remained in an exposed position and removed the mines, thus clearing the way for the tanks to advance. Because of his courageous action, the tank-infantry unit was able to get into position and to force the enemy force to abandon its position. The gallant conduct of Private Karschney on this occasion reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.