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 Private First Class Willard J. Shafer (ASN: RA-15426104), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 August 1952 in the vicinity of Sang-po-bang, North Korea. On that date, Private Shafer was serving as a machine gunner for an Infantry unit whose mission was to secure and hold a vital position on Hill 266, commonly known as “Old Baldy”. As the friendly elements rounded the left flank of the enemy’s emplacements, they were suddenly subjected to an intense barrage of artillery and mortar fire and forced to take cover. At that moment, the enemy threw a counterattack at them. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Private Shafer who had already been wounded, without thought of personal safety, voluntarily elected to remain in his exposed position and directed devastating fire upon the enemy. He heroically continued to fire at the enemy, killing at least nine enemy soldiers and breaking up the enemy counterattack before finally succumbing to his wounds. Private Shafer’s gallant actions reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.