The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gerald E. Underwood, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 October 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On that date Private Underwood was with a unit which was attacking a heavily fortified enemy-held hill. In the initial phase of the assault the enemy, determined to hold its position at any cost, laid down a heavy concentration of mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms fire. Realizing the devastating effect of hostile fire from a bunker, Private Underwood left a position of comparative safety and advanced alone to attack this enemy strong point. Unmindful of the danger to himself and under direct enemy fire, he crawled to within several yards of the emplacement and threw hand grenades into it. So accurately placed were his grenades that the enemy was forced to abandon its position and attempted to escape to another bunker. Upon observing this, Private Underwood rose fully exposed to the enemy and directed a heavy concentration of carbine fire at the fleeing hostile soldiers, inflicting numerous casualties upon them. As a result of his courageous action friendly elements were able to continue on with their attack and secure their objective successfully. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private Underwood reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.