The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant] Joseph Lock, Jr. (ASN: 0-2263142), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 April 1951, Lieutenant Lock’s platoon was assigned the mission of guarding the rear and left flank of Company A, 1st Battalion, occupying defensive positions on Hill 312. When the enemy launched a fanatic attack on the platoon’s sector of the line, Lieutenant Lock, fearing that if the enemy should break through, Company A would be caught in a vicious cross fire, voluntarily went from squad to squad encouraging them to hold their positions tenaciously. After the pressure of the enemy attack compelled the company to withdraw, Lieutenant Lock, again exposing himself to the hostile barrage, moved among the squads informing them of the sequence to follow as they left the area. Then running to a position under direct enemy fire, Lieutenant Lock directed his platoon’s withdrawal from the hill with a minimum of casualties. Lieutenant Lock’s resolute courage and gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.