The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Dale K. McCoy (ASN: 0-978564), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Kumsong, Korea, on 19 October 1951. His company was assigned the mission of securing Hill 554, the final objective of a series. The First Platoon was designated the assaulting element. Having undergone five days of continuous battle against determined enemy resistance, the friendly troops had to overcome fatigue as well as hostile opposition. Fully understanding this, Lieutenant McCoy, Platoon Leader, drove himself to the utmost of his endurance, although he himself was on the point of exhaustion, to compensate for the unavoidable circumstances and directed his men with brilliant tactical skill. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continuously exposed himself to devastating enemy fire as he expertly directed his men’s fire on enemy positions. After fighting to within 200 yards of their objective, the friendly troops, aided by another platoon, launched a powerful assault and secured the objective, inflicting severe losses upon the enemy. Lieutenant McCoy’s courageous action, exemplary leadership and outstanding performance of duty in the face of extreme adversity contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit’s mission and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.