The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joseph C. Polancic (ASN: 0-1173745), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 6 December 1950, when the 1st Marine Division was completely surrounded by a numerically superior enemy force in the vicinity of Kotori, Korea, Lieutenant Polancic fearlessly volunteered to assist in the evacuation of the wounded from the isolated area. Piloting an unarmed liaison type aircraft, he flew several missions over mountainous terrain and landed on an extremely short airstrip which was subjected to intense hostile fire. As a result of his courageous actions, four critically wounded Marines were evacuated to safety where they received prompt medical attention. Lieutenant Polancic’s outstanding gallantry, resoluteness, and unselfish devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.