The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Gilbert F. Cronin (ASN: 0-2024285), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 and 19 May 1951 in the vicinity of Panmegi-ri, Korea. On these dates, as a numerically superior enemy force overran the battalion rear command post, disorganizing the men, Lieutenant Cronin rallied the remaining men and formed them into fighting groups, to effect an orderly withdrawal. Constantly exposing himself to enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire, he formed litter teams to evacuate the wounded men. After organizing the men into an effective fighting force, Lieutenant Cronin led them in an attack into enemy-held areas, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. He was responsible for the liberation of many friendly soldiers held as prisoners of war by the enemy. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Cronin reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.