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 James Oster (ASN: RA-57506710), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951 in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. On that date Sergeant Oster was serving in the capacity of a cook in a rear area while his company was defending its positions against the determined assaults of a numerically superior enemy force. Intense hostile fire inflicted numerous friendly casualties and by sheer weight of number the foe infiltrated the defense line. More men were critically needed by the friendly unit and upon being informed of this, Sergeant Oster immediately organized an effective fighting squad made up of kitchen personnel and skillfully led them over the hazardous terrain to the front line positions. In the fierce fire-fight that followed, enemy sniper fire prevented the evacuation of a wounded comrade to a position of comparative safety. Sergeant Oster, unhesitatingly rose from his emplacement and, in full view of the enemy, neutralized the hostile position, enabling the medical aidmen to evacuate the wounded man. When friendly elements were ordered to withdraw to more tenable positions, Sergeant Oster, realizing the importance of cover fire, remained behind to provide the necessary action. His initiative and dauntless courage undoubtedly saved many lives and will live forever in the hearts of his comrades.