Yale S. Kiefer

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Yale S. Kiefer, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine infantry battalion in Korea from 18 to 23 January 1951. Private First Class Kiefer continually displayed a high degree of initiative, efficiency, and aggressiveness while serving as a platoon runner in an infantry company. On 23 January 1951, while his company was on patrol near Chiso-dong, Korea, they encountered a strong well-entrenched enemy force and began receiving direct enemy machine gun and small arms fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he charged forward through a hail of enemy fire to an exposed position approximately twenty-five yards in front of his platoon. Upon arriving at this position, he observed the strength and disposition of the enemy force and directed fire against an enemy machine gun which was delaying the advance of his company. He remained in this position directing fire against the enemy until he was mortally wounded and gallantly gave his life for his country. His timely and competent actions, courage under fire, and out­ standing devotion to duty inspired the members of his unit to greater efforts, set an example for all who observed him, and contributed materially to the destruction of the enemy force and the subsequent advance and completion of his company’s assigned mission. Private First Class Kiefer’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.