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 Master Sergeant Louis (Lewis) James Naylor (ASN: RA-13205048), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 2d Chemical Mortar Battalion, EIGHTH United States Army. Sergeant Naylor distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Sinjang, Korea. During the absence of his platoon leader on 26 November 1950, Sergeant Naylor was directing the fire of his mortar platoon when he detected the enemy closing in on his position. After the enemy had approached within such short range that mortar fire could not be delivered effectively he rallied his men and directed the delivery of small arms fire which inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy. When a soldier operating a machine gun was wounded, Sergeant Naylor rushed to the gun and put it back in action. Although wounded in the arm and the leg while operating the machine gun, he kept the gun in action until he was wounded a third time in the chest. At this point, protesting vigorously, he was forcibly evacuated but died en route to the aid station. The gallant actions of Sergeant Naylor were a great inspiration to the men of his platoon and reflected great credit on himself and the military service.