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) Eugene M. Light (ASN: 0-2018026), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 24 November 1951, the 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry, was attacking Hill 355 near Kowang-san, Korea, with Company F employed as the assault unit. As Lieutenant Light, a platoon leader in Company F, 2d Battalion, neared the top of the hill with his platoon, it was subjected to intense hostile small arms, grenade and mortar fire. Although painfully wounded in the shoulder by fragments from an exploding mortar shell, he refused to be evacuated for medical treatment and continued to lead his men in the assault upon the crest of the hill. After reaching this first objective, he placed the rifle and automatic weapons men in position and immediately began directing a withering hail of fire so effectively that the other units of the company were able to successfully advance up the slope of the hill and secure the Company’s objective. Lieutenant Light’s gallant and courageous leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.