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 First Class Wesley L. Hodges (ASN: RA-34765596), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 5 September 1950 near Tabu-dong, Korea. When Sergeant Hodges was advancing up the hill with his squad toward the platoon’s objective, the enemy suddenly opened fire from a well-entrenched position with automatic weapons and small arms, causing the attack to bog down. Sergeant Hodges, in spite of the heavy fire, moved forward until he came abreast of the hostile position. By skillfully utilizing hand grenades, he silenced the automatic weapons and killed four enemy soldiers. Sergeant Hodges’ heroic action materially aided the platoon in reaching their objective and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.