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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Emerson Luther Reffner (ASN: 0-1181738), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy near Yongdong, Korea, on 24 July 1950. Lieutenant Reffner, Executive Officer of Battery A, was directing a fire mission against heavy enemy concentrations when his battery was subjected to intense counter battery fire from both enemy artillery and mortars. Disregarding personal safety and without any protective cover, Lieutenant Reffner continued his fire mission, which stopped the enemy in its attack against the 8th Cavalry Regiment and allowed them to withdraw to more tenable positions. During this action, Lieutenant Ruffner was mortally wounded. This courageous act and superior leadership displayed by Lieutenant Ruffner reflects the highest credit on himself and the military service.