The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Andrew S. Palsa (ASN: ER-33417192), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 8 March 1951 in the vicinity of Norumbau, Korea. The 2d Platoon of Company F had launched an assault against an enemy-held hill. The unit, advancing in a skirmish line, had reached a point 15 yards from the objective when the enemy began to roll hand grenades down the hill and pinned the platoon down. Sergeant Palsa, the platoon sergeant, immediately left his position and began to work his way around to the reverse slope of the hill, thus outflanking the enemy. From his vantage point in the rear of the enemy, he hurled hand grenades into the midst of the enemy group, killing them all and eliminating the hostile strong point. His platoon, freed of the heavy enemy fire, quickly resumed the advance and secured the objective. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Palsa reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.