The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Prentiss Edward McPhate (ASN: RA-24882672), 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, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant McPhate distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Tohwa-Dong, Korea, on 2 June 1953. On that date, Sergeant McPhate led a combat patrol into enemy-held territory to set up an ambush on a hill position. Upon arrival at the scene, Sergeant McPhate deployed the men to the best possible advantage and moved among them issuing instructions. When two enemy soldiers were seen approaching the position, the patrol opened fire. A short time, a numerically superior hostile force of hostile troops moved in and completely overran the position. Throughout the action, Sergeant McPhate maintained complete control over his men, directing their fire and shouting words of encouragement. Realizing that the enemy-held the advantage through sheer weight of numbers, Sergeant McPhate ordered his comrades to withdraw while he remained completely exposed to an intense barrage of grenades, automatic weapons, and mortar fire to cover them. When last seen, he was firing his carbine into the enemy ranks. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Master Sergeant McPhate on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.