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 Willie J. Lott (ASN: RA-44146054), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 29 July 1950, near Sangju, Korea, while his unit was displacing under heavy attack by numerically superior enemy, Sergeant Lott observed that the enemy was converging on a commanding hill. Leading a small force forward, he successfully evacuated several wounded and then deployed and directed his men with such skill that they forced the enemy to withdraw. By his bold and courageous action he not only saved the lives of many of his comrades but also enabled his unit to reorganize and assume new defensive positions. Sergeant Lott’s initiative, valor and exemplary leadership served as an inspiration for his men and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.