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 Eugene Rowland (ASN: RA-19363738), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Panmegri-ri, Korea. On that date his company suddenly encountered a strong enemy force and became engaged in a fierce fight while moving toward its battalion forward command post. As the company withdrew to higher ground and more favorable positions, Sergeant Rowland and his squad remained behind to cover that movement. Meeting with stubborn resistance, and though suffering from a painful wound, Sergeant Rowland courageously led his squad in a delaying action at close range and did not retire himself until all of his company had reached new positions from where they were able to resume fire. The gallantry demonstrated by Sergeant Rowland reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.