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 Lee M. King (ASN: RA-39855163), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kosari, Korea. On that date his company had been dispersed by intense fire from an enemy ambush while moving in column along a narrow road. While others sought cover, Private King, with complete disregard for his safety, seized a light machine gun from a vehicle and calmly mounted it in the middle of the road under a hail of enemy fire. Immediately opening a dense screen of covering fire, he enabled his company to reorganize, evacuate the wounded, and escape from the ambush. During this action the machine gun was knocked from his hands by a burst of automatic weapons fire, but with dauntless courage he seized the gun and, placing it over the hood of the vehicle, resumed fire. His courageous actions were responsible for saving many lives and much vital equipment. The gallantry demonstrated by Private King reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.