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 William Juel LaFrance (ASN: RA-17281678), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action on 4 February 1951 near Ochon-ni, Korea. The company was engaged in attacking the firmly entrenched enemy on Hill 402 and was halfway to the assigned objective when an extremely intense volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire pinned down the assaulting elements. Private LaFrance, quickly sizing up the situation, voluntarily made his way beyond his platoon’s position. In spite of heavy concentration of hostile fire, he, with two comrades, worked his way to within 50 feet of the emplacements. From this spot, he fired into the enemy’s midst, and when his ammunition was exhausted, he unhesitatingly arose, oblivious to the hail of fire, and fearlessly charged directly towards the Chinese. Although he was killed in this act, his aggressive and selfless act so surprised the enemy that they shifted their fire from the platoon, thereby allowing the friendly forces to continue forward and accomplish their mission. Private LaFrance’s conspicuous gallantry and supreme devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.