The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ernest M. Layman, Jr. (ASN: 0-32455), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 12 February 1951, near Chom Chon, Korea, Colonel Layman received word by radio that a reconnaissance patrol was engaged in a fire fight with an enemy force. He immediately proceeded to the scene of the encounter moving by a direct route to an exposed observation post under mortar fire. Constantly exposing himself to increasing semi-automatic and machine gun fire, Colonel Layman, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved from position to position checking and encouraging the men. He stayed in his exposed position until the patrol had probed the enemy positions and pinpointed his machine guns. During the withdrawal, he assisted in the evacuation of the wounded who lay in an exposed fire lane. The gallantry, devotion to duty, and concern for his men’s welfare displayed by Colonel Layman reflects great credit upon himself and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.