The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Abel Aran (ASN: RA-10104704), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 June 1951, when the Third Platoon of Company C was ordered to attack a section of Hill 717, Private Aran was among the first to reach the crest of the objective. Disregarding his personal safety, he raced directly into the enemy position and knocked out two enemy emplacements concealing automatic weapons. Closing in combat with an enemy soldier, he quickly killed him with his bayonet. Private Aran’s courageous actions so inspired the men that the objective was overrun and the hill secured. He was wounded while fearlessly exposing himself to sniper fire in order to disclose the sniper’s position to his automatic rifleman. The outstanding gallantry and aggressiveness displayed by Private Aran reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.