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) Lawrence A. Sloan (ASN: 0-979177), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 22 May 1951, F Company’s Third Platoon, under Lieutenant Sloan’s command, had the mission of seizing and occupying Hill 460, an enemy strong point near Kudunchi, Korea. In the early stages of the attack, the platoon became subjected to a large volume of hostile automatic weapons fire on the front and both flanks. This intense fire inflicted a number of casualties and completely disorganized and halted the forward advance. Lieutenant Sloan, then moved to the point squad and initiated a second assault on the objective. Despite the deadly hail of enemy fire, Lieutenant Sloan personally led the unit to within 50 yards of the hostile entrenchments, when an even more devastating amount of fire threatened to disorganize the somewhat demoralized platoon. Effectively maintaining control, Lieutenant Sloan deployed the unit in such a manner that hand grenades could be used successfully against the entrenched foe. Following his example, the rallied platoon vigorously attacked the objective. Even though wounded, has he moved forward ahead of his troops, Lieutenant Sloan continued to direct the assault which routed the enemy from the hill. Lieutenant Sloan’s inspiring leadership and gallantry under fire reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.