The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William D. Lane, Jr. (ASN: RA-14311495), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 20 July 1950 near Taejon, Korea. The city of Taejon had been surrounded by enemy forces and road blocks had been established by the enemy on the routes of withdrawal from the city. The casualties of the friendly elements in the city had been moderately high. Under extremely heavy artillery, mortar, and automatic weapons fire, Sergeant Lane rescued the wounded and evacuated them to places of shelter and administered first aid to them. On one occasion, four men were pinned under an overturned vehicle and Sergeant Lane with disregard for his own safety, worked with some other men for several hours before they were freed. During the entire period he was in Taejon he aided in giving medical attention and evacuating over 30 wounded men. The act of gallantry displayed by Sergeant Lane reflects great credit on himself and the military service.