The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry), [then Captain] Lawrence R. Skelton (ASN: 0-1302539), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 October 1950 in the vicinity of Hanpori, Korea. On the afternoon of that date Major Skelton and another officer were on a reconnaissance to find a new area for the regimental command post. They inadvertently made a wrong turn off the main supply route, and as they turned a corner they came upon a group of 10 enemy setting up an anti-tank weapon. Major Skelton immediately began firing upon the enemy, and killed one before leaping from the moving vehicle. He succeeded in killing two more and knocked another unconscious with the butt of his rifle. As the remainder of the group fled in panic, one of them took cover behind a rock and commenced firing at the two men. With no thought for his personal safety, Major Skelton picked up the rifle of one of the enemy dead and fired it with such accuracy that he killed the remaining enemy soldier. The gallantry displayed by Major Skelton reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.