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 Steve J. Metz (ASN: RA-17281691), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951, in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. At about 2200 hours of that date Company K was counterattacking to reduce an enemy penetration of the defense line. All during this attack, Private Metz, with complete disregard for his own personal safety and oblivious of the intense enemy small arms, grenade and mortar fire, fiercely assaulted enemy strong points with courage and determination, killing and wounding many of the enemy. His intrepid courage and fierce determination in the face of numerical odds largely contributed to the success of the attack. The gallantry displayed by Private Metz reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.