The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Orville C. Bjerkebek (ASN: RA-17262008), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 March 1951, in the vicinity of Haga-ri, Korea. On that date he was a member of a heavy weapons platoon which was supplying supporting fire for the rifle units when suddenly subjected to enemy counter-battery fire. When the medic called for help to evacuate the wounded, Private Bjerkebek completely disregarded his own safety to assist. Throughout this action he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire. When the ammunition dump was set on fire by an enemy shell, he loaded the wounded into his jeep and drove them through mortar fire to a place of safety. The gallant conduct displayed by Private Bjerkebek reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.