The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Benton B. Lemoine (ASN: RA-18280453), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 4 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date he was a forward observer for his company’s 60-mm. mortar section. In the course of an enemy attack, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to adjust the fire of his mortars. When his wire communication line was severed by enemy fire, he used his radio and, during a volley of fire, the radio was shot from his hands. The enemy penetrated so close to the company’s lines that he could not use mortar fire upon them. Rather than withdraw, he joined a rifle platoon and, although wounded by a concussion grenade, aggressively and courageously engaged the enemy with carbine fire. In spite of his intense pain, he aided his comrades in the firefight until the enemy had been repulsed and not until then would he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Lemoine reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.