The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Thelbert A. Nowlin (ASN: ER-57400056), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 4 March 1951 in the vicinity of Samenal, Korea. On this date Sergeant Nowlin was a machine gunner of an infantry unit which was in a defensive position, under heavy attack by a numerically superior force. During this action, members of his squad protecting the flanks were wounded, thereby exposing their positions to enemy infiltration. Although fully realizing the danger of his situation, Sergeant Nowlin remained in his position and delivered effective fire on the advancing enemy forces, inflicting numerous casualties. When his weapon failed to fire, he calmly repaired the damage and continued in the defense of his position. Sergeant Nowlin’s heroic actions aided in repulsing the enemy attack, thereby saving the lives of many of his comrades. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Nowlin reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.