The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Lee Kwa Deuk, Korean Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of an Infantry Company, in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea. On the night of 14 October 1952, Private Deuk was a member of a small combat patrol advancing through enemy-held territory. As the friendly troops were moving into advantageous positions near a hostile communication trench, they were attacked without warning by an estimated enemy company which, having surrounded the patrol, charged forward from all sides. Firing rapidly and accurately into the ranks of the foe, Private Deuk accounted for several enemy casualties. His ammunition expended, he moved forward and engaged the hostile troops in hand-to-hand combat. Wounded, he nevertheless continued his courageous struggle, killing at least four of the enemy with his bayonet. The gallantry exhibited by Private Deuk on this occasion played an important part in the repulsing of the hostile force and reflects great credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.