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 First Class Darell D. Peden (ASN: RA-17309698), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 20 and 21 February 1953 in the vicinity of Maeng-dong, North Korea. On the night of 20 February 1953, a reconnaissance patrol, commanded by Sergeant Peden, left the Main Line of Resistance on a mission to determine if the Sami-chon river was fordable. The route the patrol took was between two mine fields which necessitated their moving in single file. Just as they cleared the mine field, the patrol was suddenly fired upon by a Chinese ambush patrol, using burp guns and grenades. With complete disregard for personal safety, Sergeant Peden moved forward and, exposing himself to the deadly fire, delivered an effective stream of fire into the enemy ranks until his patrol had situated themselves in the best possible defensive positions. Although painfully wounded in this action, Sergeant Peden, upon noticing a comrade being carried off by two of the enemy, unhesitatingly charged forward and killed the would be captors with his carbine and returned the patrol member to the comparative safety of the friendly perimeter defense. After taking stock of the situation and finding the radio man wounded and the radio beyond repair, he made his way back to the Main Line of Resistance for help. Shortly after he rejoined the patrol, a group of Dutch troops arrived and, when their assistance the patrol returned to the safety of friendly lines without further casualties. The inspirational leadership, unflinching courage, and outstanding gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Peden reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.