The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Gerardus H. Christan, Royal Netherlands Army, Commanding Officer, Netherlands Battalion, attached to the 38th Infantry Regiment, for gallantry in action on 18 February 1952, near Mirok-Tong, Korea. Committed to attack and destroy hostile emplacements on Star Hill, a dominant terrain feature tenaciously defended by a fanatical foe, Colonel Christan fearlessly led his command up the rugged slope and engaged the enemy. When a platoon leader and his assistant were wounded in the initial phase of the action, leaving the unit disorganized and without command, Colonel Christen rallied and regrouped the troops and, vulnerable to withering fire and armed only with a pistol, led them in a daring charge which overran hostile positions and carried to the crest of the hill. Quickly readying defense positions against imminent counterattack, Colonel Christen directed his mine platoon to destroy remaining enemy emplacements and lay anti-personnel mines. After completing the mission with minimum casualties, he led his men back to friendly lines. Colonel Christan’s inspirational leadership and intrepid actions reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the honored traditions of military service.