The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Gerald W. Hawk (ASN: 0-997282), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 30 November 1952, a squad of Company K, 3d Battalion, led by Lieutenant Hawk, was assigned the mission of defending friendly positions on “Jackson Heights”, in the vicinity of Hak Tong-Ni, Korea. Upon taking up defensive positions on the objective, the squad was suddenly subjected to intense hostile mortar and small arms concentrations. Lieutenant Hawk, exposing himself to the fire, crawled to higher ground and directed friendly fire upon the foe. His accurate fire directions soon caused the hostile weapons to be silenced. As Lieutenant Hawk was returning to his men, a hostile mortar round exploded near him and another man, wounding both of them. Lieutenant Hawk refused medical aid until the other man was successfully treated and evacuated. Lieutenant Hawk’s outstanding heroism, initiative and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.