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) Charles J. Shay (ASN: 0-2028520), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 March 1953 17 March 1953, in the vicinity of Kyemgyong-ni, Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Shay received a call for reinforcements from a friendly unit that was being overrun by a battalion-sized enemy force. Voluntarily, Lieutenant Shay immediately organized two rifle squads, led them through the heavily shelled area to the side of the jeopardized positions and swiftly plunged into action. Although painfully wounded in both legs by mortar fragments, he refused medical aid until other friendly casualties had been treated. Applying tourniquets to his own wounds, Lieutenant Shay crawled from position to position, shouting words of encouragement, and aided in directing the evacuation of the wounded. Inspired by his courageous leadership, his men fought bravely with outstanding effectiveness. Only when the hill was re-secured and the enemy had withdrawn did he allow himself to be evacuated. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Shay on this occasion reflect great credit on himself and the military service.