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 Gordon L. Wallin (ASN: RA-37776600), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy of 16 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date, he was leading his squad in an attack against strongly defended enemy positions. During the assault on a hill he was severely wounded and was hurled half way down the slope by the force of an exploding shell. Realizing the importance of retaining control of his men, he made his way forward to his squad and continued to lead them in the attack. With complete disregard for his personal safety he advanced under the intense hostile fire until he was once more wounded and was ordered to be evacuated. His intrepid leadership inspired his squad to such an extent that they closed with the enemy, overrunning and seizing the hostile positions. The gallantry and high devotion to duty displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Wallin reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.