The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Rayburn Penrod (ASN: ER-35966742), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date Company A spearheaded an attack to secure a strategic hill from a numerically superior and determined foe. As the unit advanced it was halted by enemy mortar, grenade, and small arms fire. During the fierce action that followed, Corporal Penrod openly exposed himself to enemy fire while directing machine gun fire on hostile positions. When the unit was ordered to withdraw to better defensive positions, he voluntarily remained behind and fought a gallant rear guard action. As a result the supporting elements were able to secure the objective with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Penrod reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.