The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Corporal] Albert McKay (ASN: RA-18279760), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 9 February 1952 in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. On that date Sergeant McKay was squad leader of the lead squad in a platoon sized combat patrol that was assaulting strategic positions on enemy held Hill 528. An enemy counterattack was launched which took the friendly forces by surprise and pinned the platoon down with a withering cross fire. Sergeant McKay, observing the seriousness of the situation, and with complete disregard for personal safety, secured a machine gun and advanced into the intense enemy fire, laying down a wave of deadly fire on the hostile forces, thereby enabling his comrades to withdraw from the treacherous slope. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant McKay on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.