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 First Class Francis L. Lynn (ASN: ER-16289472), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951 in the vicinity of Panmegi-ri, Korea. On that date Sergeant Lynn acted as a rear guard, delaying the enemy sufficiently to enable his company to withdraw to better positions when it was attacked by a large group of enemy. While holding his position, Sergeant Lynn called in heavy firing missions to the artillery forward observer, enabling the friendly troops to hold the area. When Sergeant Lynn finally withdrew, he destroyed all supplies and ammunition that could not be removed. The gallant conduct displayed by Sergeant Lynn on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.