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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Michael Citrak (ASN: 32836894), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Waegwan, Korea, on 18 September 1950. Company I, with the other companies of the Third Battalion, was attacking to seize and hold a hill overlooking the city. In the course of the attack the defending enemy numbering approximately one hundred fifty, were pressed onto one peak which was in the sector assigned to Company I. The Third Platoon, led by First Lieutenant Citrak, soon gained a position from which to launce an attack to encircle the right flank of the enemy position. The platoon moved to within fifty feet of the enemy and was suddenly halted by a bombardment of hand grenades and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety First Lieutenant Citrak moved among the men enjoining them to hold their ground and attempt to continue the attack. He directed the fire of his men on the enemy position, inflicting many causalities, but the platoon was forced to fall back. The several successive assaults on the enemy-held hill position subsequently reduced the strength of the enemy. Although wound in this gallant action, he continued to lead his men against the intense enemy fire until darkness forced him to withdraw. His continuous pounding of the enemy position caused it to succumb early the next morning; thereby consolidating the friendly positions along the entire battalion front and eliminating a prominent enemy strong point. First Lieutenant Citrak’s courageous actions and outstanding leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.