The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) George Kopscick, Jr. (ASN: 0-957881), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 31 August 1950 to 2 September 1950 in the vicinity of Agok and Hagam, Korea. During this time he was a Field Artillery Forward Observer attached to a rifle company which was completely surrounded by the enemy, with all routes of withdrawal cut off. When a numerically superior enemy force was observed approaching the company positions, Lieutenant Kopscick, at great danger to himself, moved forward to a vantage point and proceeded to direct accurate artillery fire upon the attackers which destroyed about 250 of the enemy. Disregarding his own safety and despite the Company Commander’s orders he remained in the observation post and directed the defensive artillery fire, which enabled the bulk of the company to withdraw. The next morning he withdrew with the remainder of the company to the vicinity of Hagam, where they were pinned down by heavy enemy small arms fire. He immediately organized a squad of infantrymen to lay down a strong base of fire, in order to cover the evacuation of the wounded. While performing this duty, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. The gallant and inspiring actions of Lieutenant Kopscick on these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.