The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Loren Dwain Hartjen (ASN: US-55034245), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 19 February 1951, near Chansil-li, Korea, Corporal Hartjen’s squad was moving as flank protection for a tank-infantry combat patrol when it was subjected to and pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from an estimated one hundred fifty entrenched enemy soldiers. Despite the heavy fire sweeping the area, Corporal Hartjen fearlessly exposed himself by moving to effect communication with the tank section leader. While assisting the tanks in placing effective fire on the enemy emplacements, an enemy-manned fifty seven millimeter anti-tank gun began firing at the armored vehicles. Corporal Hartjen, returning across the open terrain in order to direct the fire power of his squad against the enemy gun, was mortally wounded but continued to direct the fire of his men so effectively that the enemy was forced to withdraw from the firefight. Corporal Hartjen’s gallantry, inspiring leadership and sustained heroism reflects the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.