The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Harold S. Duryea, Jr. (ASN: RA-37518659), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 2d Reconnaissance Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 1 September 1950, near Yongsan, Korea. On 1 September 1950, Sergeant Duryea was serving as a mechanic to the 3d Platoon of the 2d Reconnaissance Company. At approximately 0530 hours, he was at a listening post about 50 yards along a road from the platoon position, down which a large enemy force advanced to attack the platoon. When the attack commenced, Sergeant Duryea killed at least two of the enemy, and withdrew to the mortar position only when he was outflanked on both sides. Sergeant Duryea then remained at the mortar position until it was outflanked, and then covered the withdrawal of the four men to the main platoon position. Upon reaching the main platoon position, Sergeant Duryea went to the machine gun position, and upon finding that both the men were wounded, took over the firing of the gun himself. When the platoon was forced to withdraw, Sergeant Duryea still in the face of intense enemy fire, remained at the machine gun position until the five wounded men hear him had withdrawn over the ridge. Then with the last belt of ammunition in the machine gun, and firing from the hip, Sergeant Duryea withdrew to the ridge and held off the enemy until the wounded could be evacuated from the hill. Sergeant Duryea’s courageous action is in keeping with the highest standards and traditions of the military service.