The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Louis L. Toth (ASN: 0-1288468), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, (then Commanding Officer, Company K), 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, action on 12 February 1951 in the vicinity of Saemal, Korea. On that day Company K was surrounded by a superior enemy force and forced to withdraw into a perimeter defense by incessant enemy attacks. All during the daylight hours, Major Toth, with complete disregard for the intense hail of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire, fearlessly moved about the perimeter deploying his platoons to meet each new threat by the enemy and inspiring his men by his calmness and lack of fear. After dark the company was ordered to attempt a withdrawal through the hostile encirclement. Major Toth led this men in the withdrawal, and the company, encouraged by his inspiring leadership and seemingly endless energy and patience, forced its way through more than two miles of enemy positions, successfully accomplishing the withdrawal. Major Toth was wounded during this action. The gallantry in action and tenacious leadership demonstrated by Major Toth on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.