The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Claudie B. Laurendine (ASN: ER-34199376), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on the night of 20 – 21 May 1951, in the vicinity of Sangny-un-gal, Korea. On that night the 2d Platoon was subjected to frequent attacks by the enemy. Corporal Laurendine, disregarding the intense fire, stood upright and moved through the men of the platoon encouraging them to hold their positions. During one of these attacks he was surrounded by the enemy. Corporal Laurendine fearlessly leaped up and fired four or five bursts of automatic rifle fire at the enemy. He then began to throw grenades. After his supply ran out he again fired into the enemy with his automatic rifle, forcing them to pull back. They left fifteen dead and wounded men around Corporal Laurendine’s position. Due to his actions the rest of the men in the platoon gained confidence and repulsed many enemy attacks during the night without suffering a casualty. Corporal Laurendine’s devotion to duty and his gallantry reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.