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 First Class Michael R. Kuhel (ASN: RA-36649418), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 20 May 1951 near Yongnae-ri, South Korea. On that date he was Tank Commander with the mission of helping to hold a long narrow draw, flanked by high hills, which led to the main supply route of other units fighting further to the north. At about 0400 hours, the enemy launched a heavy attack against Sergeant Kuhel’ s position. For approximately two hours he kept the enemy under such heavy fire that they were unable to advance beyond his tank. The enemy was using small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire against him, and much of the time during the battle he exposed himself to this fire by firing the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the top of the tank turret. When daylight came and the enemy withdrew, 18 dead enemy soldiers were found in the vicinity of Sergeant Kuhel’s position. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Kuhel on this occasion was an inspiration to his comrades and set an example of aggressiveness, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.