The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Earl T. Pankey (ASN: RA-16163239), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 15 May and early morning hours of 16 May 1953, the second and fourth squad of Sergeant Pankey’s platoon had the mission of screening an area in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, where a patrol of Company E had made contact with the enemy. Sergeant Pankey led the two squads through intense hostile mortar and artillery fire to screen the area and return to the main line of resistance. Upon being informed that two men were missing, he reorganized his squad and went out again over the intensely shelled terrain to look for them. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he exposed himself to the barrage to call artillery fire on enemy positions. Through his efforts, the squad found the missing men and returned them to the safety of friendly positions. Sergeant Pankey’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.