The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Palmer W. Schnepel, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 and 12 October 1951 in the vicinity of Samtae-dong, Korea. On these dates Lieutenant Schnepel was a platoon leader of a unit whose mission was to attack and secure a key terrain feature defended by a determined hostile force. Lieutenant Schnepel led his platoon in a frontal assault on the enemy position and in doing so, had to cross an area which had little cover or concealment. With complete disregard for his own safety, he courageously advanced forward into the devastating hail of hostile fire. Inspired by his example of bravery under fire, his men followed him and fearlessly assaulted the hostile emplacement forcing the enemy to retreat. At this point Lieutenant Schnepel observed another friendly unit attacking a more advanced hostile strongpoint. Realizing the importance of supporting fire, he immediately instructed his men to direct their fire in support of the assaulting element. Moving among his men over the hazardous terrain, he supervised the fire of his unit so efficiently that the enemy was pinned down. His quick thinking and outstanding leadership contributed materially to the fact that the friendly elements were able to secure their objective with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Schnepel on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.