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 Sydney L. Kleeman, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea, on 24 June 1953. When communications in the unit had been cut, Private Freeman immediately volunteered to attempt to make contact with the company and proceeded through intense hostile fire. When hostile forces were detected in friendly trenches, he quickly took his rifle and placed himself in a key position to protect the mortars from an enemy that might get through. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Kleeman, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.