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) Ronald T. Theiss (ASN: 0-2028453), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 12 August 1952, a platoon of Company L, led by Lieutenant Theiss, was assigned the mission of assaulting hostile positions on an enemy-occupied hill in the vicinity of Chokko-Ri, Korea. As the friendly elements approached their objective, they encountered intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, grenade, and mortar fire. Unhesitatingly, Lieutenant Theiss quickly and skillfully deployed his platoon, led them in an aggressive attack upon the foe, overrunning their positions. Simultaneously, the hostile forces were counterattacking on both flanks of the assault squad and were threatening to encircle the friendly unit. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lieutenant Theiss ignored the fierce enemy fire as he moved about the shrapnel-torn area to gain a position from where he could direct his men in repulsing the enemy movement. Although thrown from his feet several times by hostile concussion grenades, he disregarded his personal safety, remained in the critical area, shouted words of encouragement to his men, directed their fire, and adjusted friendly artillery fire upon the counterattacking hostile forces. When the friendly unit’s ammunition supply became dangerously low, he and his men withdrew to the safety of friendly positions. His aggressive leadership was responsible for the enemy suffering thirty casualties, enabled his men to repulse two hostile counterattacks, and prevented them from becoming surrounded by the fanatical foe. Lieutenant Theiss’ display of courage and untiring devotion to duty during this action reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.