The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Steve G. Triantafel (ASN: US-55062314), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Corporal Triantafel distinguished himself by courageous action near Chipsil-li, Korea, on 14 October 1951. His company had the mission of taking and securing part of Objective D, a very steep and rough mountainous terrain feature. The leading element had begun the assault when the support platoon was committed and started to cross a waist-deep river at the base of the objective. The enemy suddenly placed the wading troops under murderous machine gun, small arms and mortar fire. One man was wounded while crossing, but continued to advance until he was again wounded and fell helplessly in the water. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Triantafel made his way through the intense enemy fire to the soldier, and after a struggle with the swift current, saved the man from drowning and pulled him to safety. Later the company moved from one part of the objective to another to prepare positions for the night, but left the wounded to be evacuated and needed someone to go down and bring up the medical aidmen and litter bearers. Corporal Triantafel volunteered and returned with the aidmen, remaining to assist in evacuating the wounded over the rough terrain. A group of enemy troops in an unobserved bunker unexpectedly placed the men under concentrated small arms and automatic weapons fire. Instructing his comrades to take cover, Corporal Triantafel charged a key enemy emplacement and, killing four hostile soldiers with grenades and rifle fire, provided covering fire while his comrades withdrew and then rejoined them. Corporal Trantafel’s courageous action, aggressive initiative and selfless devotion to his comrades reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.