Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 311 (April 10, 1951)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant] Louis L. Coudert, Jr. (ASN: 0-2262747), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Namch’i-hyon, Korea, on 7 February 1951. During an attack on hill-top positions the platoon leaders of the Second and Third platoons were both killed and the attack began to bog down. Realizing that direct action was imperative if the Attack could succeed he immediately assumed command of both platoons. Completely exposed to withering enemy fire he effected reorganization of the platoons and started them moving forward again in the assault. The attacking platoon began moving forward under his superb leadership and direction and they took one position after another. With one final savage assault on the summit of the hill was taken and organized. Realizing that the First Platoon was still in difficulty, he took one platoon and began working across the face of the hill. This action took the enemy positions under attack from the flank and quickly opened the way for he entire company to take and consolidate its objective. Second Lieutenant Coudert’s courageous actins, devotion to duty, and exemplary combat leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Infantry.