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 [then Sergeant] Everett Nugent (ASN: RA-38734756), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Service Company, [then Company I], 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. On that date he was a squad leader with Company I, which was under attack by a numerically superior enemy force. During this action, Sergeant Nugent constantly moved among his men, directing their fire and shouting words of encouragement. On numerous occasions he advanced over the fire-swept area to administer aid to his wounded comrades and assist in their evacuation. After hours of fierce fighting his unit was ordered to withdraw to more tenable positions. Sergeant Nugent, with complete disregard for his personal safety, voluntarily remained behind to provide covering fire for his comrades and held off the hostile force until his unit had safely withdrawn. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to his comrades demonstrated by Sergeant Nugent on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.