The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Coleman McQuagge (ASN: RA-14377791), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 September 1951 in the vicinity of Suim-Myon, Korea. On this date Company B had the mission to attack and secure strongly fortified enemy positions on Hill 931, center of Heartbreak Ridge. In the course of this action, Private McQuagge, a mortar man, observed that an aidman had become a casualty and no additional personnel were available to administer aid to the wounded. Without hesitating, he voluntarily left his position of comparative safety and advanced over the fire-swept area to assume the responsibilities of a medical aidman. Moving through the intense hostile fire, Private McQuagge sought out and administered aid to his wounded comrades. Despite the heavy enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he fearlessly continued in this manner until he was wounded and had to be evacuated. His selfless devotion to duty and sustained courage were an inspiration to all who observed him and undoubtedly saved many lives. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Private McQuagge will live forever in the hearts of his comrades.