The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Wilbur J. Thiel (ASN: RA-36551892), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sariwon-ni, Korea, on 6 December 1950. Master Sergeant Thiel’s platoon was returning to the company’s position, after a security mission for a radio relay station in the vicinity, when an enemy force, which had established a road block, opened fire with machine guns and small arms. Deploying his men he moved forward through the intense fire to determine the enemy’s strength and dispositions. Observing that the force consisted of about 20 riflemen supported by three machine guns, he skillfully maneuvered his men and led a fierce assault which smashed over the enemy’s position, killing ten, capturing seven, and dispersing the remainder into the hills. Master Sergeant Thiel’s courageous action and exceptional leadership ability reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.