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 Nicholas Prystas (ASN: RA-31108005), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 15 December 1950, near Chigyong, Korea, a tank-infantry team attempting to relieve a beleaguered Company B platoon was pinned down by intense enemy artillery, mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire. When the task force’s radio message was received at the command post requesting two additional tanks for support and evacuation of the wounded, Sergeant Prystas, a medical aidman attached to Company B, 1st Battalion, immediately volunteered to join one of the departing tanks. As the tanks neared the scene of the engagement and came under heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Prystas jumped from the tank and moved about the exposed bullet-riddles terrain, administering aid to the wounded and placing them on the armored vehicles. Ministering to the stricken riflemen, he was wounded by the hostile fire, but refusing first aid, continued to provide medical assistance until all of the men had been properly treated and evacuated. Sergeant Prystas’ selfless gallantry and exemplary devotion to duty as an aidman reflects great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.