The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Harold P. Mueller (ASN: 0-2033931), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Mueller distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chowang-ni, Korea on 29 January 1951. While leading a forty man reconnaissance patrol deep into enemy territory, Lieutenant Mueller was fired on by an estimated enemy platoon. He withdrew his patrol a short distance to the south and from a more advantageous defensive position engaged the enemy, destroying twenty of the attacking force and causing them to withdraw. At this time a force of approximately seven hundred Chinese Communists launched a series of “banzai” attacks which lasted throughout the day. Lieutenant Mueller established a perimeter where he directed the fire against the superior enemy force, causing heavy casualties and forcing the enemy to make repeated withdrawals. Although he was twice wounded during the six “banzai” attacks upon his platoon’s position, he continued to check the position of his men, distribute ammunition and direct the fire of his automatic weapons. In the midst of the heaviest fighting Lieutenant Mueller found time to comfort and aid the wounded, assuring them that he would lead them to safety. Lieutenant Mueller’s courage, confidence, and superior leadership enabled the patrol to inflict heavy casualties upon the enemy, killing two hundred and wounding an additional estimated two hundred Chinese Communists. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Lieutenant Mueller reflects great credit on himself and the military service.