The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Michael Syroid (ASN: 0-2263188), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 17 July 1951, elements of Company F, 2d Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Syroid, were occupying outpost positions on Hill 682, in Korea, when they were attacked by a numerically superior enemy force, utilizing machine gun, small arms and grenade fire. Aware of the need for concealment to prevent the enemy from ascertaining his unit’s positions and weapons, Lieutenant Syroid ordered his men to hold their fire and throw hand grenades only at his prearranged signal. When he gave the command, the sudden barrage of grenades halted the foe, but only long enough to allow them to reorganize and attack from another direction. Lieutenant Syroid moved about the defense perimeter encouraging his men when an illuminating artillery shell prematurely exploded directly over him, exposing him to full observation and fire from the enemy but unheeding the danger, he continued to maintain his position. In a third attempt to overrun the positions, the enemy managed to achieve a penetration of the units perimeter, only to be met by the accurately thrown grenades of Lieutenant Syroid, which killed three hostile soldiers and forced the remaining enemy to withdraw. His daring actions and unwavering determination were instrumental in repulsing three vicious enemy attacks and were a vital contribution to the success of the unit’s mission. Lieutenant Syroid’s gallantry and courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.