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) Hugh R. Oreilly (ASN: 0-1339208), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 10 October 1951, near Sidamak, Korea. After bombarding friendly positions with artillery, mortars and rockets, enemy troops attacked and overran the machine gun positions and Captain Oreilly’s command post. Ignoring the extreme danger, Captain Oreilly moved about, exposed to the heavy hostile fire, expertly deploying his men in secondary positions and encouraging them to hold. During the battle, he stood on top of a bunker, presenting an excellent target to the enemy and directed accurate fire into the hostile ranks, taking a heavy toll. An enemy shell knocked him from the bunker and wounded him, but displaying outstanding courage, Captain Oreilly climbed back to his position and continued to fire at the foe with an automatic rifle. His fearless actions inspired his men who repulsed several attacks by the fanatical enemy. Captain Oreilly’s gallantry reflects great credit on himself and the military service.