The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Paul Lamar Freeman, Jr. (ASN: 0-17704), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 27 November 1950 to 30 November 1950, in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. During that period the division was fighting a bitter withdrawing action to prevent encirclement by numerically superior enemy forces. Colonel Freeman’s regiment was given the mission of conducting rear guard actions to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the division. Throughout the period he placed himself well within range of hostile automatic weapons and mortar fire to insure first hand knowledge of the friendly and enemy situation. On the night of 27 November 1950, Colonel Freeman, with complete disregard for his own safety, personally directed the deployment of the rear guard elements. His presence coupled with his composure under fire served to inspire his men to such heights that they successfully fought off repeated fanatical attacks from enemy forces overwhelmingly superior to them in numbers. Again on 30 November 1950, after all other elements of the division had withdrawn from the Kunu-ri area, and it appeared impossible to extricate his regiment without sustaining almost total loss of personnel and equipment, Colonel Freeman planned and supervised the execution of a daring maneuver which caught the enemy unaware and saved the regiment from certain annihilation. Throughout these operations, Colonel Freeman’s coolness under fire and his magnificent example of leadership instilled the confidence in h is men necessary for the successful execution of the most difficult of military operations. Colonel Freeman’s gallantry and great tactical ability during these engagements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Paul Lamar Freeman, Jr. (ASN: 0-17704), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date the 3d Battalion of his regiment had positions astride a road which was serving as the Main Supply Route for enemy forces in that area. The enemy during the preceding several days had been probing our defensive lines by repeated attacks in strength at various positions and had created weak points in the line. By 3 September 1950 it appeared that an enemy breakthrough of critical proportions was imminent along the line held by a rifle company of his regiment. Upon receiving intelligence of this situation, Colonel Freeman immediately went forward to the threatened area. Here he fearlessly and repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile artillery and small arms fire which fell all about him. Moving from position to position he personally reorganized the disheartened troops, who observing their commander’s fearless actions, were inspired to greater efforts. Under his superb leadership the inspired troops rallied and stiffened, hurling back the enemy assault. As a result of Colonel Freeman’s intrepid leadership and immediate grasp of a critical situation, the enemy was delayed until his regiment could launch a counterattack. The gallantry, high devotion to duty, and exceptional tactical ability displayed by Colonel Freeman reflect great credit upon himself and fully uphold the finest traditions of the military service.