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 Thomas J. Pfeffer (ASN: RA-21933177), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 October 1952. in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, a combat patrol was returning from a raid in enemy territory with hostile forces in pursuit, when they were suddenly enveloped in a savage enemy artillery and mortar barrage. In order to gain maximum protection, the patrol immediately dispersed and found themselves trapped within an unmarked mine field. Upon receiving a message for help, Sergeant Pfeffer, along with two other men, voluntarily entered the mine field. Armed only with a bayonet, Sergeant Pfeffer fearlessly led the way, probing the ground in the darkness with his bayonet and feeling for mines and trip wires. After clearing a path through the mine field, he then supervised the evacuation of the wounded men, personally carrying several of them back to safety. Learning that there were still some wounded missing, he again went out into the devastating enemy fire, completely disregarding his personal safety, and re-entered the mined area. A thorough search of the area revealed one more wounded man and three dead. Sergeant Pfeffer carried the wounded man back to safety and then supervised the return of the three bodies to friendly lines. His courageous actions were responsible for the saving of many lives and proved an inspiration to all who observed him. The heroism in action displayed by Sergeant Pfeffer reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.