The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Roman J. Sobania (ASN: US-55083511), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 October 1951 in the vicinity of Sanggonbae, Korea. On that date Private Sobania, forward observer for the 81-mm. mortar platoon, was attached to Company F during its attack on a strategic hill defended by a numerically superior enemy forced entrenched in well-fortified bunkers. During the ensuing action the intensity of the enemy artillery and mortar fire forced the friendly unit to seek cover. Private Sobania, realizing that the hostile supporting fire had to be silenced, left his position of comparative safety and advanced over the fire-swept area. Crawling over the rocky and exposed terrain, he gained a vantage point on a knoll overlooking the enemy positions. Continually exposing himself to the enemy fire, he called for and adjusted the mortar fire on the hostile forces, inflicting numerous casualties upon them. He continued in this manner until friendly units were able to advance and secure their objective. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Private Sobania on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.