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 Herman H. Lucas (ASN: RA-18298569), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 November 1950, Sergeant First Class Lucas led his squad forward to intercept a hostile group which had effected a breakthrough in the perimeter of a task force operating in the vicinity of Ipsok, Korea. Repeatedly exposing himself to concerted enemy fire, he expertly placed his men in defensive positions; when the enemy attacked in force shortly thereafter, the squad engaged them in hand-to-hand combat, inflicting severe casualties and forcing the hostile force to withdraw. Sergeant First Class Lucas’ conspicuous courage and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.