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 [then Sergeant First Class] Lyle B. Penfold (ASN: RA-38006536), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 3 October 1951, Company G was assigned the mission of attacking and seizing a strategically important hill near Chorwon, Korea. Two friendly assaults were repulsed when the enemy retaliated with a heavy concentration of small arms and artillery fire. The heavy enemy fire inflicted many casualties upon the friendly unit and, without leadership, the remaining men became confused and disorganized. Sergeant Penfold, an assistant platoon sergeant, unhesitatingly moved across the shell-torn area organizing and instilling confidence in his men. Placing himself at the head of the group, he fearlessly led them in a frontal attack against the foe. Although painfully wounded, Sergeant Penfold engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat and so inspired his men that they were successful in routing the hostile force. Upon securing the objective, he quickly organized a perimeter of defense against possible enemy counter-attacks and held the position until reinforcements arrived. Sergeant Penfold’s gallantry and inspirational leadership were instrumental in the successful completion of the mission and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.