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 Ernest E. Wacasey (ASN: RA-18267898), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, during an assault upon enemy positions, the platoon, of which Corporal Wacasey was a squad leader, was pinned down by enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Corporal Wacasey, with utter disregard for his own safety, completely exposed himself to enemy fire, rallying his squad and led them in an attack against the enemy positions with grenades. His actions so inspired the remainder of the platoon that they too joined in the attack, succeeding in overrunning the enemy forces. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Corporal Wacasey on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.