The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant] Vernon E. Franklin (ASN: RA-37649620), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 September 1950, near Changnyong, Korea. On that date Sergeant Franklin was a squad leader in an infantry unit which was attacking strongly-fortified enemy positions near Changnyong. In order for the unit to reach its objective it was necessary for it to cross open terrain under enemy artillery and mortar fire. Sergeant Franklin, with total disregard for his personal safety, maneuvered his squad across the open area, exposing himself in order to direct his men to the best possible cover. After reaching the objective, he aggressively moved forward under enemy fire from well dug-in positions. Observing an enemy machine gun position on the crest of the hill which had inflicted several casualties upon his unit, Sergeant Franklin with two other men, moved forward and destroyed the gun emplacement and three riflemen with a grenade. His courageous actions and outstanding leadership contributed materially to the fact that his squad killed many of the enemy, and allowed the unit to accomplish its mission. The gallant conduct of Sergeant Franklin on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and upon the military service.