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 First Class Melvin A. Redding (ASN: RA-13263512), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 24th Reconnaissance Company, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Chakchong, Korea, on 1 November 1950. During a patrol mission he observed a wounded comrade lying in a rice paddy exposed to enemy fire. Moving his tank to a position screening the wounded man he exposed himself to withering enemy fire while manning the tank’s machine guns. With utter disregard for his own safety he remained exposed to the enemy’s fire when his tank was partially disabled and skillfully directed the evacuation of his wounded comrade and the tank’s withdrawal. His gallant actions and outstanding devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Armor.