The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Tom F. Modisett (ASN: 0-1339200), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 19 September 1952 in the vicinity of Chagun-Gol, North Korea. On that date it was the mission of Captain Modisett’s company to attack and retake “Old Baldy”, which had been seized by the enemy. Captain Modisett moved his company forward through an intense hail of enemy fire, and with supreme courage, moved to critical points, leading and encouraging his men to give their utmost in the attack. While with the forward elements of his company, Captain Modisett was severely burned on the face and right leg by a white phosphorous mortar round, which also critically wounded two other men in the immediate vicinity. Heedless of the intense enemy fire and his own painful burns, he gallantly rushed to the wounded and threw dirt on them to extinguish the flames. In removing the equipment and clothing from one of the men, he was severely burned on the hands, but refused evacuation from the fire-swept field in order to carry forward the attack and supervise the evacuation of the more seriously wounded. The outstanding combat leadership and complete disregard for personal safety, in the face of great danger, served as an inspiration to his comrades. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty exhibited by Captain Modisett on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.