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 Jesse F. Lake (ASN: RA-13263958), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 52d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 16 July 1950 near Yongdong, Korea. A cook, Private Lake voluntarily manned a .50 caliber machinegun on the battery’s perimeter. By his accurate fire, he succeeded in destroying two enemy machineguns before they could be placed in operation. He deliberately placed his weapon in an exposed position so that he would have a clear field of fire. During his firing, Private Lake was severely wounded in the chest by an exploding enemy mortar shell. By his gallantry and voluntary exposure to danger, Private Lake brought great credit to himself and the military service.