The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Staff Sergeant Ernest G. Pappenheimer (MCSN: 572608), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company in Korea on 6 November 1950. Staff Sergeant Pappenheimer, serving as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), was leading his platoon in the vicinity of Sumgori, Korea. The enemy organized a strong counterattack on the left flank of the platoon which seriously threatened the entire mission of the company. Staff Sergeant Pappenheimer, realizing the seriousness of the counterattack, skillfully directed automatic riflemen to fire on the enemy to his front and with complete disregard for his own personal safety he fearlessly led the remainder of the platoon in a bayonet assault against the counterattacking enemy. By his courageous action twenty-one of the enemy were killed and the remainder routed. His skillful and courageous leadership contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the mission assigned this company. Staff Sergeant Pappenheimer’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.