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 [then Private] Lawrence H. Prather (ASN: RA-17212882), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 9 March 1951 in the vicinity of Chumakkor-ri, Korea. On that date he was a squad leader in a rifle platoon which had been assigned the mission of securing Hill 311, a key terrain feature. He fearlessly and aggressively led his squad through the heavy enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to the top of the hill, and was personally responsible for killing six of the enemy. His inspiring leadership enabled his men to seize the objective with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Prather reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.