The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Lawrence B. Farnum (ASN: 0-61211), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 November 1950 and 1 December 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. On the night of 30 November 1950 he was riding in a convoy which was attempting to break through an enemy roadblock that was approximately five miles in depth. The convoy had been halted by intense enemy fire. Captain Farnum, in the absence of the battalion command group, assumed command of the remaining units of the battalion and deployed them in defensive positions on the high ground along the sides of the road. When these positions were surrounded by the enemy, he unhesitatingly led his men in an attack that penetrated the enemy’s lines and then continued across country. Attacking enemy outposts and probing hostile strong points, he led his men for a distance of 42 miles to the safety of friendly lines. Although he was suffering from frozen and blistered feet, he refused to be evacuated until he had arranged for transportation, food and shelter for his men. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Farnum reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.