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] Gordon J. Stortz (ASN: US-52053838), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 31 August 1951 in the vicinity of Yanggu, Korea. On this date, during an attack on Hill 773 defended by a well-entrenched hostile force, Company C was subjected to intense enemy mortar and small arms fire and was temporarily halted due to numerous friendly casualties. Corporal Stortz, realizing that he was the only remaining member of the squad, immediately set out to join another. Upon locating a squad, he learned that the squad leader was lost and thus assumed command of the disorganized unit. Advancing under the intense enemy fire, he skillfully maneuvered his men to successfully assault and rout the hostile forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them. In the course of this action, although wounded by a piece of shrapnel and forced to be evacuated, he voluntarily assisted in carrying a wounded comrade from the hill to a position of safety. The gallantry in action and outstanding leadership displayed by Corporal Stortz on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.