The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Clarence E. Schmidt (ASN: US-55022245), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 25 May 1951, in the vicinity of Pangoc-ri, Korea. On that date Private Schmidt was a squad leader of a machine gun squad attached to one of the attacking rifle companies which had the mission of securing a group of three hills. After securing the first two hills the friendly forces proceeded on to the third and final objective. On approaching the hill, they came in contact with a sizeable group of enemy in strong defensive positions. Some enemy troops succeeded in infiltrating behind the friendly elements and proceeded to surround them, when the gunner of the machine gun of Private Schmidt’s squad was wounded and Private Schmidt took over the gun, immediately delivering intense fire upon the enemy positions. Then, by an outstanding display of personal leadership and courage, Private Schmidt personally supervised the placing of his own squad as well as the men of the rifle unit to which he was attached. By his skillful placement of these men and his inspiring manner of directing their fire, Private Schmidt broke the hostile encirclement and proceeded to lead his men in the pursuit of the disorganized enemy group, which resulted in securing the hill and the successful occupation of the final objective. The gallantry in action and inspiring leadership displayed by Private Schmidt on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.