The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Pak Te Hwan, Republic of Korea Army, for gallantry in action while attached to Company G, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, United States Army, in action against the enemy near Tae-banggok, Korea, on 4 November 1952. A 12-man patrol crossed the main line of resistance to locate and contact the enemy, and as it approached the hostile position, it was halted by sporadic fire from machine gun positions on both flanks. Private Hwan moved forward to assist his squad leader and to furnish covering fire as he moved from position to position, checking his men and controlling their fire. When an enemy hand grenade fell near the leader, Private Hwan forced his companion aside attempting to shield him from injury from the exploding grenade. Although seriously wounded during this action, he continued to deliver accurate fire against the hostile forces. When the patrol was ordered to withdraw, he remained in position providing effective covering fire until after his unit had successfully completed its withdrawal. Private Hwan’s devotion to duty and courageous actions reflect great credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.