The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class [then Private] Orvel L. Swope (ASN: RA-17255257), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy as a member of Service Battery, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division in the vicinity of Taegu, Korea. On this date, Private Swope was an assistant driver of an ammunition truck returning to Service Battery. As they came past the position of Battery B, they noticed that it was under intense small arms and mortar fire which had caused the position to be evacuated leaving the guns and equipment in position. They stopped to see if they could be any help. Volunteers were called for to re-enter the vacated position in an attempt to secure a howitzer and take it to the new battery position. Private Swope volunteered for this hazardous mission and, with his comrades, entered the area which was still under heavy concentration of artillery and mortar fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety and indifference to hostile fire, he moved calmly through the area and, aided by his comrades, succeeded in placing the piece in traveling position, hooked it to a truck and moved it to a new position. The timely arrival of this desperately needed howitzer allowed the Battery to furnish support to the hard pressed infantry which succeeded in breaking up the enemy attack. The gallantry and high devotion to duty displayed by Private Swope on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.