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 Horace O. Sonju (ASN: 37585703), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company K, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 November 1944, in France. The 1st Platoon of Company K was ordered to attack around the right flank of stubbornly defended enemy positions. Private Sonju, the platoon runner, was advancing well forward with the scouts and platoon leader when the enemy suddenly opened fire with machine guns and rifles. The hostile weapons, firing at close range, pinned down the leading elements of the platoon. Although seriously wounded, Private Sonju immediately returned the hostile fire with his rifle. Fearlessly braving continuous small arms fire and grenade explosions, he diverted the enemy’s attention from the remainder of the platoon and attracted the hostile gunners to his own position, enabling his comrades to escape from the trap. Ignoring the intense pain of his wound, he maintained his hazardous position and continued firing until the remainder of the platoon members had withdrawn to a more advantageous location from which they could direct effective fire on the hostile emplacements. Only then did Private Sonju crawl back to rejoin his platoon. Later in the day he was reported missing in action. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.