The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Maxwell Woodrow Vails (ASN: 0-1295462), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 September 1950 in the vicinity of Samga, Korea. On that date Captain Vails led his company in an attack to relieve another company of the regiment and to continue the regimental attack on Samga, a key road junction. At that time his company was critically short of platoon leaders, thereby placing an even greater burden of leadership on Captain Vails. He led his company in a determined assault on the objective, placing himself at the forefront of his troops and leading them against a well-entrenched and fiercely resisting enemy. Firing his weapon and calling encouragement to his men he closed to grenade throwing distance and there engaged in a brief but fierce close range fight before overcoming all opposition. Upon reaching the objective he halted his men, reorganized them and placed them in defensive positions. His gallantry and brave leadership was instrumental in the capture of a vital objective in the advance of the regimen on Samga. His gallantry on this occasion reflects the highest credit upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.