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 Richard J. Schaffer (ASN: ER-12246255), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 2d Reconnaissance Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 14 February 1951, in the vicinity of Chaum-ni, Korea. On that date the 2d Reconnaissance Company, together with an attached rifle company, established a perimeter around the town of Chaum-ni. At the time of the attack by an enemy force of estimated regimental size, Corporal Schaffer was repairing communications to the positions on the perimeter. While approaching a machine gun position on the northeast edge of the town, he, together with the machine gun crew, was subjected to intense mortar and heavy automatic weapons fire. Seeing that all members of the gun crew had been wounded, he ran under heavy crossfire to the machine gun and put it into action. He repulsed several enemy attacks, killing an estimated 10 f the enemy. When his ammunition reached a dangerously low point, he held the position by using hand grenades with great effect. When relief finally arrived, Corporal Schaffer proceeded to evacuate two seriously wounded members of the gun crew. Through his defense of the position, the company was able to withdraw to safety. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Schaffer reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.