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 Sergeant First Class L. D. Summerlin (ASN: RA-6295139), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 21 August 1950, in the vicinity of Hyonpung, Korea. On that date his platoon was engaged in clearing the village of Hyonpung. During the action, the platoon leader was struck down by a burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Summerlin, the platoon sergeant, immediately and with complete disregard for his personal safety, dashed forward into the intense hostile fire to the aid of his fallen leader. As he reached the wounded officer’s side, but a few yards from the enemy positions, he was killed by enemy fire. The gallantry and selfless action of Sergeant Summerlin in going to the aid of his platoon leader at the sacrifice of his own life reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.