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 Denver Thompson (ASN: RA-15017215), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 27 November 1950 in the vicinity of Somin-dong, Korea. On that date Sergeant Thompson’s company was subjected to a fierce assault launched by an enemy force of estimated battalion strength. After beating off repeated attacks the company received orders to withdraw in order to effect a junction with other elements of the regiment. Sergeant Thompson voluntarily attached himself to the rear guard to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. The route of withdrawal was under enemy observation and hostile fire and was continuously sweeping the flanks and rear of the column. Time after time Sergeant Thompson remained behind in exposed positions driving off the enemy by rifle fire and thereby allowing the slow-moving casualties to continue their withdrawal. With complete indifference for his personal safety he continuously exposed himself to enemy fire as he covered the withdrawal of his wounded comrades. His undaunted courage and high devotion to his wounded comrades were highly instrumental to the success of his company in breaking through the enemy encirclement without sustaining more severe casualties. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Thompson reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.