The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Frank Meszar (ASN: 0-23211), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Executive Officer of the 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950, near Changnyong, Korea. On the morning of that date, the Regimental Command Post was suddenly attacked by an overwhelming enemy force. Using automatic weapons, the enemy succeeded in pinning down the security unit, which was providing perimeter defense, and the Command Post was subjected to heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Major Meszar, then Regimental S-3, immediately organized the administrative personnel within the Command Post into a fighting unit, and by exposing himself to the extremely heavy enemy fire, personally led them to positions from which they were able to provide supporting fire for the security forces. When the enemy continued to advance he called for a nearby tank unit to provide additional supporting fire, and with total disregard for his personal safety he led two tanks into position and directed their fire upon the enemy. His inspiring leadership was a decisive factor in halting the enemy fire and in permitting the orderly withdrawal of personnel of the Command Post. The gallantry displayed by Major Meszar on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.