The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Joe W. Wallace (ASN: ER-38605491), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 April 1951, near Taejon-ni, Korea, Company E was forcefully attacked by a large hostile force which succeeded in isolating a squad of the Third Platoon from the rest of its unit. Realizing that the squad was in danger of being annihilated, Sergeant Wallace quickly formed a fighting force from headquarters personnel and moved to the aid of the beleaguered group of men. As he turned into a connecting trench while at the head of his small counterattack force, he came under the fire of several enemy soldiers who had infiltrated through friendly lines. Vigorously returning their fusillade with his own rifle fire, Sergeant Wallace caused them to retreat and seizing his advantage he charged the confused soldiers, brandishing his bayonet and shooting, effectively routing the remaining enemy in that immediate area. The collapse of opposition allowed Sergeant Wallace to go to the ambushed squad and reorganize it in an effort to escape its perilous position. He decisively started the return movement and protected the rear of the column until the evacuation had been successfully accomplished. Sergeant Wallace’s resolute gallantry and unwavering courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.