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 Captain (Field Artillery) Lyndell Manuel Southerland (ASN: 0-1175588), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 63d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, on 14 July 1950 near Taejon, Korea. Battery A was supporting the 34th Infantry Regiment when wire communications were destroyed by enemy artillery fire. Captain Southerland was acting as liaison officer and personally hand carried a fire mission to the battery he commanded. The route he had to traverse was under heavy artillery fire. His vehicle barely missed being hit on several occasions, and as a result of this fire mission the battalion expended several hundred rounds of ammunition inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and knocking out two enemy tanks. Later during the day the battery was surprised by an enemy infantry attack from both flanks and the rear. With disregard for his own safety, Captain Southerland continued to direct the firing of his battery until he was seriously wounded by enemy fire. Although seriously wounded, Captain Southerland continued to direct the destruction of equipment and the withdrawal of the personnel. During this time he received another wound in the neck and died instantly. This gallant and courageous act on the part of Captain Southerland reflects the highest credit on himself and the military service.