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) Phillip L. Mallory (ASN: 0-59769), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 24 and 25 November 1950, in the vicinity of Kujang-Dong, Korea. During the night of 24 November 1950 the entire 2d Battalion was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force and was completely surrounded. During the following day ammunition and food were dropped by air. Tank radio was the only means of communication. On 25 November the 23d Infantry Regiment attempted unsuccessfully to break through to the surrounded battalion. Between the hours of 1530 and 2300 the battalion was subjected to artillery and mortar fire. And numerous attacks by fanatical enemy hordes. During one of these attacks, Lieutenant Mallory, a platoon leader, observed that one of his squad leaders was wounded and had rolled half-way down the slope of the ridge. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ran through the murderous enemy machine gun and small arms fire and carried the wounded squad leader back to the defensive position. In this act Lieutenant Mallory’s carbine was shot from his hand by the heavy enemy fire. The fierce enemy attacks forced the other platoons of Company G and elements of Companies D and H to the positions occupied by Lieutenant Mallory’s platoon. Lieutenant Mallory quickly reorganized the remnants of these companies into his defense line to repulse a ferocious enemy attack. During the attack, when one of his gunners was killed, Lieutenant Mallory manned the machine gun and killed 15 of the onrushing enemy. When the position became untenable, Lieutenant Mallory evacuated all of the wounded and led the remainder of the men to the Chongchon River, where he ordered them to cross the half-frozen water and link up with the 23d Infantry Regiment. The gallantry in action, coolness under fire, inspiring leadership, and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mallory reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.