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 Earl S. Whitney (ASN: RA-19243755), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Whitney, a platoon leader of a machine gun crew, was providing supporting fire for riflemen assaulting a strongly fortified enemy-held hill. As the units advanced they met heavy enemy resistance of small arms and automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Whitney, realizing the need for greater fire power moved his machine gun to an exposed position and employed heavy fire upon enemy emplacements. He continued his action, inflicting numerous casualties upon hostile forces and destroyed several of their emplacements. As a result of his courageous action enemy fire was alleviated, thus enabling friendly forces to advance and successfully secure their objective. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Whitney on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.