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 Lavern Edward Maple (ASN: US-55022227), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951, in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. During a counterattack launched by his company on that date, Private Maple, with complete disregard for his own safety, fiercely charged enemy positions in the face of point-blank small arms and automatic weapons fire. In a final assault on the enemy strong points, he attacked the enemy with fixed bayonet and drove them before him, clearing the position and inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. The gallantry displayed by Private Maple reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.