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 Everett M. Ballinger (ASN: RA-19327950), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the Battery C, 82d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 2d Infantry Division, in action at Kunu-ri, Korea, on 30 November 1950. On the night of 30 November 1950, Sergeant First Class Ballinger was riding in a convoy which was attempting to break through an enemy roadblock that was approximately five miles in depth. As a leader of a section of anti-aircraft firing vehicles, Sergeant Ballinger successfully negotiated the roadblock, destroying several enemy machine gun positions and making it possible for other units to pass through the roadblock. Later that night he re-entered the roadblock area, on two different occasions, despite continuous enemy fire, to clear the road of destroyed vehicles and silence enemy automatic weapons. Although he was wounded in this action he continued to direct the operation of his vehicles, and is credited with saving many lives and much valuable equipment. The gallantry and inspiring leadership of Sergeant First Class Ballinger on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.