The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Coast Artillery Corps) Simon J. Stevens (ASN: 0-1826111), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery D, 82d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 30 November 1950 to 1 December 1950 in the vicinity of Yong-dong-ni, Korea. At the beginning of the period Captain Stevens’ combat vehicles were assembled at the north end of a road block which elements of the 2d Infantry Division were in the process of reducing and forcing. Under heavy mortar and small arms fire directed against his position Captain Stevens was faced with the possibility of establishing a defensive perimeter. Unable to secure instructions by radio he proceeded on foot nearly two miles through the roadblock under constant enemy fire to a point where his battalion commander was located and received instructions to attempt to force the block and assist other units in that endeavor. Captain Stevens succeeded in that mission, but only by exhibiting personal courage, leadership, and determination in the face of shouting enemy troops who were blowing bugles and whistles and otherwise demonstrating their aggressive spirit. Dismounted, he led his elements along the roadblock, rallying other troops as he passed, picking up our wounded and directing fire against enemy troops and weapons. After many hours of fighting, during which he was wounded, the roadblock was passed, but Captain Stevens contacted a friendly tank unit and led them back to pick up personnel still within the block. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Stevens on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.