The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Howard Merritt Steele, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Company C, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action near Surang-ni, Korea. On 6 October 1952, while Lieutenant Steele was directing his platoon in defending an outpost position, the enemy directed an intense artillery and mortar barrage on the friendly outpost and launched a fanatical attack, which forced the platoon to withdraw. Directing his men to set up a skirmish line, approximately seventy-five yards to the rear, Lieutenant Steele remained in the Communications Trench, alternately firing machine guns at either end of the trench and maintaining a continuous fire upon the enemy. Upon effectively holding the enemy off until his men had established defensive positions, Lieutenant Steel returned to the skirmish line, bringing two friendly casualties with him. The courageous leadership and staunch determination of Lieutenant Steele greatly inspired his men and contributed materially to successfully repelling the numerically superior enemy force. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Steele reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.