The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Avery M. Nance (ASN: RA-36434463), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyon, Korea. On that date his company was attacking the enemy lines along the Naktong River. Sergeant Nance, platoon sergeant of the weapons platoon, directed mortar and 57-mm. recoilless rifle fire in close support of the attacking elements. With complete disregard for his personal safety he advanced to exposed positions subjected to extremely heavy hostile mortar, anti-tan, and small arms fire in order to better direct fire on the enemy emplacements. His gallant performance during this engagement was instrumental in the success of his company in seizing its objective and prevented serious casualties to the assault platoons. The gallantry and skillful leadership displayed by Sergeant Nance reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.