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 (Infantry) Howard M. Kiser (ASN: 0-1293793), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 3d Replacement Company, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 December 1950, near Huksu-ri, Korea, when the defensive positions of the 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, were overrun by a numerically superior enemy force, Company H was dispatched to cover the battalion’s withdrawal. Lieutenant Kiser, a recoilless rifle platoon leader, repeatedly braved withering enemy fire to direct his unit’s fire and movement. When the platoon’s position became untenable and the order was received to withdraw, Lieutenant Kiser supervised the evacuation of the wounded and then, fearlessly manning a machine gun, fired at point-blank range into the attacker’s ranks, slowing the enemy assault and allowing the main body to make a successful withdrawal. Lieutenant Kiser’s gallant and aggressive actions reflects great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.