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 Franklin E. Hance (ASN: RA-18294535), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 July 1953 in the vicinity of Yugong-Ni, North Korea. At approximately 0300 hours on that date, Sergeant Hance’s platoon position was subjected to a devastating enemy artillery and mortar barrage. For forty-five minutes the intense fire continued to saturate the hill and friendly positions. During this critical period, Sergeant Hance, completely exposing himself to exploding rounds, moved from bunker to bunker, helping the wounded to safety, checking the positions of his comrades and preparing them for the imminent enemy assault. At approximately 0345 the enemy launched their attack with screaming masses of hostile troops charging up the slopes of the hill. Although the enemy barrage continued and the momentum of the enemy’s charge carried some of the foe into the friendly trenches, Sergeant Hance continued moving from man to man, fighting his way to each position, offering words of encouragement and helping to repulse the enemy at every point. Whenever a comrade was wounded, he immediately assisted him to safety and guided a member of the reinforcing unit to the unoccupied position. His aggressive leadership and unswerving devotion to duty inspired his comrades to successfully repulse the determined foe and maintain command of the strategic hill. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Hance reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.