The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Albert Caswell Metts, Jr. (ASN: 0-26091), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Chaunni, Korea. On that date the battalion was deployed in defensive positions on the right flank of the 2d Infantry Division when the enemy launched a determined attack. During the initial phase of the enemy offensive a large group infiltrated the friendly lines and prepared to attack the Battalion Command Post. Major Metts, Operations Officer, quickly organized all available personnel and skillfully deployed them in strategic positions, while constantly moving about the perimeter, encouraging his men and supplementing their fire with his own weapons. He noticed one of the enemy in the act of throwing a hand grenade into the operations tent. Without regard for his personal safety he single-handedly rushed toward the foe and killed him instantly, thereby saving the lives of several of his comrades. Later in the day the battalion’s position became untenable as the enemy had succeeded in surrounding the area. Major Metts ordered all his men to prepare to withdraw. Keeping complete control of their movements, he led them to safety through the enemy lines. As soon as the unit broke contact with the enemy, Major Metts established a new defense line that was able to withstand the enemy assault. The heroic leadership and dauntless courage of Major Metts enabled the battalion to retain its tactical unity and contributed materially to halting the enemy offensive. The gallantry displayed by Major Metts reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.