The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank Schaafsma (ASN: 0-1081173), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 6 April 1945, in the vicinity of Buchoff, Germany. When the enemy counterattacked Company F’s newly-won positions supported by artillery and self-propelled guns, Lieutenant Schaafsma moved through intense and accurate fire in order to maintain control of his company. Although wounded by a mortar burst, he refused to be evacuated until the enemy counterattack had been repelled and the company positions strengthened. Lieutenant Schaafsma’s personal bravery and outstanding gallantry under fire reflect great credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.