The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor), [then Major] Hugh F. Queenin (ASN: 0-369463), United States Army, for gallantry in action near Pyongyan, Korea, on 5 December 1950. Having been informed by the division commander that the division was out of contact with a battalion of the 8th Cavalry Regiment, and that this battalion of being overrun by a strong enemy force, Colonel Queenin conducted a personal ground reconnaissance 15 to 20 miles in front of friendly elements in the Corps area in order to determine the exact location of the battalion, inform the battalion commander that he was relieved from his covering force mission and advise him of routes which would provide for the battalion’s safe withdrawal. Colonel Queenin conducted the reconnaissance alone and without support in the full knowledge that all friendly troops had been withdrawn. Despite the fact that he was subjected to enemy fire, his vehicle partially disabled, and that he narrowly escaped capture, Colonel Queenin’s intrepid action achieved the safe withdrawal of the endangered battalion and its effective employment elsewhere during a critical period. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Queenin reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.