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 Nelson M. Mathis (ASN: RA-33666570), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, (then Company C), 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 April 1952 in the vicinity of Haduch’on, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Mathis was a member of a volunteer patrol whose mission was to retrieve the body of a dead comrade which was deep in enemy held territory. The patrol crawled across the flat cultivated ground toward the location of their objective where they were met by a withering hail of hostile fire. Sergeant Mathis displayed calmness and aggressiveness in delivering destructive retaliation upon the enemy. Sergeant Mathis continued to advance through a hail of fire to the site where the body was hidden, thereupon, he placed the body upon his shoulders and re-crossed the fire swept terrain. Sergeant Mathis’ coolness under those conditions was outstanding. During the patrol’s withdrawal, after having successfully completed its mission, Sergeant Mathis continued to shout words of praise and encouragement to the other members of the patrol while advancing back over the terrain to the friendly elements. Largely due to Sergeant Mathis’ brilliant leadership and heroic conduct, there were no friendly casualties. The gallantry in action and consummate devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Mathis on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.