The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Steve Vertcnik (ASN: RA-16279645), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. At Sobuk-san, Korea, 23 August 1950, Private First Class Vertcnik’s company was holding its position against strong hostile attack. Despite an intense concentration of small arms fire, he went to the aid of a wounded comrade and carried him some fifty yards over open, rough terrain. When, although still in an exposed area, he stopped to administer first aid, he was mortally wounded. Private First Class Vertcnik’s courage and selfless devotion to a fellow soldier were an inspiration to his comrades and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.