The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Louis G. Sandkaut (ASN: 0-57927), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 26 July 1950, the platoon which Lieutenant Sandkaut’s machine gun section was supporting was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force in the vicinity of Yongdong, Korea. Heedless of the heavy fire, Lieutenant Sandkaut remained in an exposed position to direct the fire of his machine guns. During the engagement, he personally manned one of the guns and delivered such accurate fire that the attack was repulsed. During the afternoon, the enemy was observed building up for another attack. Despite the concentration of artillery fire, Lieutenant Sandkaut delivered effective fire on the assembling force, inflicting numerous casualties and causing the others to disperse. The next morning the reinforced enemy again assaulted the position. Although wounded himself, Lieutenant Sandkaut moved throughout the concerted fire to aid a wounded comrade. He remained in position throughout the entire day and so inspired his men by his display of calm courage that they repulsed several other fanatical enemy attacks. Later, after the platoon had received orders to displace, the enemy against assaulted the position. Lieutenant Sandkaut ordered the movement to continue and, manning one of the machine guns, delivered effective and devastating fire on the enemy until the displacement was completed. Lieutenant Sandkaut’s conspicuous courage, grim determination and selfless devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.