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 Francis J. Schafer (ASN: US-55020231), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, during the attack on well-fortified enemy positions, the company was halted by intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, grenade, and mortar fire. The platoon, of which Sergeant Schafer was a member, was pinned down by fire from an enemy machine gun emplacement. Sergeant Schafer immediately led his squad in an attack on the emplacement using marching fire and upon nearing the position, he was painfully wounded by enemy fire. Despite the wound, Sergeant Schafer, exposing himself to intense enemy fire, crawled forward to within grenade throwing distance of the machine gun emplacement and threw hand grenades, destroying the emplacement. As his squad continued its attack, Sergeant Schafer, though wounded, provided covering fire until the unit had secured its objective. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Schafer reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.