The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Ray A. Simpson (ASN: RA-18349005), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 31 July 1950, near Kunuso, Korea. During the withdrawal of the rifle company to which he was attached, Corporal Simpson stayed in an advance position covering the withdrawal with a machine gun. The enemy advanced to within twenty yards of his position firing point blank mortar, machine gun and rifle fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Simpson refused a demand to surrender and continued to fire his machine gun and carbine until the ammunition of both was exhausted. His gallant action caused heavy casualties to the enemy, permitted the company to which he was attached to withdraw safely and to evacuate its many wounded, and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.