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 Rex H. Kopp (ASN: RA-17185673), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 14 May 1951, near Sochon, Korea, a strong enemy force began to prepare for an attack on defensive positions occupied by the 1st Battalion. As the unit readied itself for the assault, it was discovered that the wire line connecting the command post and the listening outpost had been severed. Leaving the covered area of the command post, Private Kopp moved out under the cover of darkness to search for and repair the break. Shortly, Private Kopp returned to the listening post with an enemy prisoner and warded the unit of the intensified hostile activity. Through the repaired line, the battalion received word of the enemy movements and was able to place artillery fire which caused the hostile forces to retreat before they could launch their attack. The gallantry and exemplary devotion to duty displayed by Private Kopp reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.