The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Richard P. Lauffer (ASN: US-52055919), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, during an assault upon well prepared and defended enemy positions, the company was pinned down by intense hostile small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire. Corporal Lauffer, completely disregarding his own safety, braved the hostile fire and placed his 57-mm. recoilless rifle in the foremost elements of the attacking unit. From this position he directed accurate and effective fire upon the enemy emplacements that were holding up the assault of his unit. By continually exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire he successfully destroyed numerous enemy emplacements and inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy. As a result of his courageous actions his unit was able to continue in the attack and accomplish its mission with a minimum of friendly casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Lauffer on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.