The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Howard J. Muse (ASN: RA-11160480), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 October 1951 in the vicinity of Kongnae, Korea. On that date, during an attack on a heavily fortified enemy-held hiss, Corporal Muse was with the leading element carrying his radio. Seeing the need for covering fire he immediately exposed himself to hostile fire in order to employ a heavy volume of fire upon hostile positions with his weapon. During the ensuing action, as the units advanced, they were pinned down by enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, Corporal Muse advanced to within a few feet of an enemy bunker and threw grenades into it, killing all its occupants. While returning to his unit he was subjected to small arms fire from several enemy soldiers. He unhesitatingly returned their fire and succeeded in killing them with his carbine. When he returned to the remainder of his unit, he discovered that the communications chief had been wounded and that the section was left without leadership. He immediately reorganized the remaining members of the section and led them successfully upon the enemy hill. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Muse on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.