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 Private First Class Roy Daniel Lapham (ASN: RA-36151598), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action near Kumh-Wa, Korea, on 12 September 1951. When two platoons of Private Lapham’s company were pinned down by intense enemy fire his platoon joined the attack. In attempting to capture a trench the third platoon also came under heavy mortar fire and was forced to scatter. Private Lapham with the platoon leader and a few other men reached a location from which the enemy position that was holding up advance was visible 40 yards away. In leading an attack on the position the platoon leader was killed and one soldier wounded. Private Lapham and two others were able to take cover. In utter disregard for his own safety, Private Lapham stood up firing his rifle and throwing grenades as he ran to the enemy trench. When he ran out of ammunition he jumped into the trench and used his rifle as a club. Though mortally wounded private Lapham succeeded in silencing the enemy position and enabling the attack to continue. Private Lapham’s gallantry, devotion to duty, and self-sacrifice contributed immeasurably to the success of the attack and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.