The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Patrick J. Vaughan (ASN: RA-16317461), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 10 October 1951 in the vicinity of Mungelungni, Korea. On this date Company I had the mission of securing enemy-held positions on a dominating terrain. As the unit advanced in the assault, the squad of which Corporal Vaughan was a member, was pinned down by a murderous hail of enemy small arms, automatic weapons, grenades, and mortar fire. Ignoring the vicious fire, Corporal Vaughan rose to his feet and advanced toward the enemy, using a previously captured enemy machine gun. His accurate and effective fire inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy and enabled his squad to overrun and secure its objective. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Vaughan on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.