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), [then First Lieutenant] Henry Everett Emerson (ASN: 0-50868), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Sobuk-san, Korea, from 23 August to 11 September 1950. When his company commander and all other officers in the company had been killed during an attack near Sobuk Mountain, Captain Emerson assumed command, reorganized the company and coolly reported the situation to the battalion commander. When ordered to continue the attack, he led the depleted unit up the rugged slopes of the towering mountain and secured his objective. After repelling several vicious counterattacks, the company exhausted their ammunition, but Captain Emerson refused to give up his position until he reported the facts and received permission to withdraw. By his forceful leadership and tactical skill, he succeeded breaking contact with the enemy and withdrew to a more secure position. The following day Captain Emerson renewed the attack and seized his objective, which he organized and secured under heavy enemy fire. Thereafter and until 11 September, the enemy made twenty-seven savage, slashing, determined efforts to retake the position but without success. On four of these days Captain Emerson was the only officer present in the company, his platoon leaders being wounded faster than they could be replaced. However, by his determination and personal example of daring and heroism, in laying wire and mine fields, re-supplying ammunition and deploying his steadily dwindling force and their weapons, he so inspired his men that never once did they yield ground to the enemy. He constantly exposed himself to enemy machine-gun, small-arms, mortar, artillery and grenade fire. Several times he was knocked down by the force of explosions from enemy mortars or artillery, but he never lost control of his unit and moved from position to position frequently encouraging his men and directing their fire. His aggressive leadership was a deciding factor in holding the vital position. The gallantry displayed by Captain Emerson reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.