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 Soloman W. Prottas (ASN: RA-19319327), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Medical Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 September 1951 in the vicinity of Pia-ri, Korea. On this date Sergeant Prottas and other medical aid men were administering aid to the wounded when the entire area was subjected to constant enemy artillery and mortar fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Prottas continued assisting the wounded men and at times shielded his patient by covering him with his own body, thus keeping the wounded man free from shrapnel. The leadership and extraordinary courage displayed by Sergeant Prottas instilled into his men courage to face the enemy fire so that their wounded comrades were safely evacuated to positions of safety. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Sergeant Prottas reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.