The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Virgil L. Kiser (ASN: RA-15274713), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 25 July 1950, while serving with Company A, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action near Yongdong, Korea. During repeated attacks by numerically superior enemy forces on his company position, Sergeant Kiser was acting as forward observer for the mortar section of the weapons platoon. When all heavy weapons ammunition was expended, Sergeant Kiser volunteered to move through the heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire to carry ammunition and hand grenades from the company supply dump to the forward elements. Disregarding his own safety, he continued his dangerous trips, at times fighting off the enemy with hand grenades, until all ammunition was exhausted and the company was ordered to withdraw. During the withdrawal, Sergeant Kiser organized stretcher bearers, assisted in the care of the wounded and helped evacuate them to safety. His selfless actions and devotion to duty enabled many wounded comrades to be safely evacuated and was an inspiration to all members of his company. Sergeant Kiser’s gallantry reflects great credit on himself and the military service.