The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Willie A. Rhea, Jr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Korea, on 29 September 1951. His actions, without regard for his own safety, reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.