The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jack A. Pease (ASN: NG-28115175), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 23 May 1951, in the vicinity of Amdal-Tong, Korea. In the early afternoon of that date the rifle company to which he was attached as a radio operator of the mortar forward observer party was under fierce attack by numerically superior enemy forces, and the platoon to which he was attached was completely cut off on a high hill. Private Pease immediately advanced to the most forward infantry outposts from which he directed deadly heavy mortar fire on the enemy, at times placing the fire within 30 yards of his own position. The reserve platoon of the company was called for but was unable to break through the encircling enemy forces. Continuing to direct mortar fire until the entire position was encircled with a ring of heavy mortar fire, Private Pease succeeded in maintaining this ring of fire for approximately one hour until the enemy’s position to the rear was broken and the platoon was permitted to pass through the encirclement. Although wounded, Private Pease continued to direct mortar fire until he was evacuated. His heroic action caused heavy casualties among the enemy and enabled the friendly infantry to withdraw to more tenable positions. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Pease reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.