The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Ernest A. Vuley, Jr. (ASN: 0-67476), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with the 45th Infantry Division near Pau-gol, Korea. On the morning of 15 July 1953, Lieutenant Vuley was leading a patrol through an unoccupied area. His mission was to make contact with an Allied company in order to estimate the situation for his battalion commander. The patrol proceeded from the safety of its own lines, but before it could reach the point of contact the unit was pinned down by mortar and machine gun fire. Pressed for time and realizing the hazards to the other members of the patrol, Lieutenant Vuley, without regard for his personal safety, crossed several yards of exposed terrain to make contact with friendly forces and to complete his mission. The gallantry exhibited by Lieutenant Vuley on this occasion reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army.