The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Myron Donald Peterson (ASN: US-55054873), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Sangnan-ni, Korea, during the night of 7 – 8 November 1951. His platoon moved out from the company’s position to form an outpost on a hill in front of friendly lines. Having prepared for the night, the riflemen were in their positions when the outpost was suddenly subjected to an intense concentration of enemy machine gun fire. Then the enemy attack came, with hand grenades exploding all along the platoon’s front as the hostile soldiers charged blindly, firing automatic weapons and small arms at point blank range and threatening to overrun the hill. Corporal Peterson, Automatic Rifleman, realizing the gravity of the situation, leaped from his position of cover. With complete disregard for his own safety he raced through the withering fire to the area hardest hit by the enemy. He then set up his weapon in a position completely exposed to enemy fire and swept the attacking hordes with devastating bursts, inflicting severe casualties upon them. In breaking up the attack, he drew fire upon himself. He relentlessly continued to fight, despite the increasing danger, until his rifle jammed. The enemy troops then renewed their assaults. Using hand grenades, he killed four of them and wounded many more before he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His comrades, immeasurably aided by his magnificent one-man defense, increased their efforts and soon forced the greatly decimated enemy force to retreat in wild confusion. Corporal Peterson’s courageous action, indomitable spirit and self-sacrificing performance of a mission far beyond the call of duty reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the United States Infantry.