The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Vernon H. King (ASN: RA-44133053), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 19 September 1952 in the vicinity of Chagun-gol, Korea. On that date, Sergeant King was in charge of a group of 27 men given the mission of assaulting the right flank of Hill 266, “Old Baldy”, which had been taken by enemy forces during the bitter fighting on the previous evening. As the unit moved up the hill, Sergeant King urged his men forward through the intense enemy fire, calling on them by name and exhorting them to greater efforts. After gaining the crest, he deployed his group and held his hazardous position for almost two hours, directing the fire of his men until it was evident that they would have to withdraw and reorganize. After receiving orders to withdraw, Sergeant King, with complete disregard for personal safety, moved about the fire swept area preparing his unit for the withdrawal and evacuating the wounded. He remained on the hill until assured that all his comrades had reached friendly lines. His heroic actions and inspiring leadership enabled his patrol to destroy a great many of the enemy defending “Old Baldy”, and greatly aided the mission of the units who retook the hill on the following day. The consummate courage and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant King reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.