The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Choice R. Rucker (ASN: 0-31610), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 March 1953 in the vicinity of Samichon, Korea. Early that morning the Company L sector of the Battalion front was attacked by a reinforced Chinese Battalion. The enemy swarmed into the trenches and a savage hand-to-hand battle ensued. As soon as Colonel Rucker received the news of the attack, he left the safety of his Battalion Command Post and rushed to the scene of the action. En route to the Company position, his vehicle was subjected to intense mortar and artillery fire but Colonel Rucker never faltered in his determination to reach his objective. Upon arriving at the Company position, he reorganized the communication system and restored communication with adjacent units. As the battle progressed Colonel Rucker aided in the evacuation of several wounded men. At dawn and as the fighting slackened, he directed the reorganization of the defense position, strengthening the security against a potential enemy counter-attack. Not once did he exhibit concern that his presence constituted the greatest personal danger to himself or that the fanatic hand-to-hand fighting and devastating mortar and artillery fire presented a constant threat to his safety. At approximately 0900 hours, when the heat of the battle had died and the enemy had withdrawn, it was obvious that Colonel Rucker’s presence had been an inspiration to his men. His quick, accurate appraisal of the situation, and the effective countermeasures he initiated, resulted in rapid re-establishment of friendly positions, and grave losses to the enemy. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty exhibited by Colonel Rucker on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.