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 Master Sergeant Barnie L.afayette Sanford (ASN: RA-6388663), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 March 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, a machine gun section under Sergeant Sanford’s command had assisted infantry elements in securing and consolidating positions on Hill 337. Later, the enemy, throwing hand grenades and firing automatic weapons, strongly attacked the newly occupied emplacements. Sergeant Sanford directed return fire as he was reloading his weapon, an enemy soldier tossed a grenade at the gun position. Despite the grave danger involved, Sergeant Sanford jumped from his position and engaged the soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Overpowering his opponent, the fearless soldier knocked him over a nearby cliff, but exposed to the incessant hail of fire, Sergeant Sanford was mortally wounded before he could return to the relative safety of his position. The gallantry and daring exhibited by Sergeant Sanford reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.