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) Zernie D. Wickline (ASN: 0-1877679), 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. During the early morning hours of 15 June 1953, in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea, Company E had the mission of counterattacking the enemy to regain positions which had been overrun during earlier action. Lieutenant Wickline, a platoon leader, attempted with a small group of men to force enemy soldiers from the trenches to regain contact with friendly elements at the end of the trench. Twice he led the small group through the trench, but due to intense enemy fire, he was forced to withdraw to a more suitable position. He quickly reorganized his tactics and gave each man individual instructions on the particular section the men would cover with his weapon. Once again, he exposed himself to hostile fire, offering his men encouragement and assaulting the enemy. Through his aggressive leadership, courage and calm self-assurance, his assault upon the enemy was successful. The enemy retreated, leaving their weapons and their wounded. Lieutenant Wickline ordered his men to capture prisoners for intelligence purposes, as the disorganized enemy attempted to escape. He then led his group with its prisoners to the friendly elements at the end of the trench. Although continually subjected to enemy grenade and small arms fire, he formed a defensive perimeter and then checked the friendly position to insure that it was safe from further attack. Lieutenant Wickline’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.