The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Lewis B. O’Hara (ASN: 0-31887), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 14 February 1951, near Panp’o-ri, Korea, the enemy counterattacked elements of the 15th Infantry Regiment, which was then engaged in clearing its zone of action of an estimated enemy regiment that had infiltrated through the main line of resistance on the previous day. A patrol from Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, ran into an ambush set by this attacking force, and the artillery forward observer was unable to direct effective artillery fire. Accompanied by only his driver, Colonel O’Hara, realizing the critical nature of the situation, unhesitatingly proceeded to the scene of the action through territory infested by enemy elements. He secured an observation post and directed artillery fire on the enemy positions but, because of intense enemy small arms and mortar fire, he was forced to move over open ground to another vantage point. He remained in this new position for over an hour, continuing to direct effective fire upon the enemy until friendly elements reached his position and a forward observer was prepared to assume responsibility for further fire support. Colonel O’Hara’s outstanding gallantry, courage and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.