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 Private Lawrence A. Trapanotto (ASN: US-51100124), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 September 1951 in the vicinity of Kung-Dong, Korea. On that date Private Trapanotto was on an outpost, when he observed a probing attack from an unknown number of enemy troops. Private Trapanotto immediately alerted his company and engaged the enemy, inflicting numerous casualties upon them, while his company assumed defensive positions. Having withheld the enemy forces as long as possible, he started to withdraw to the company’s position. During the withdrawal, Private Trapanotto encountered several enemy soldiers who had infiltrated friendly lines, and he immediately fired upon them, killing one of the enemy soldiers before he was fatally wounded by the others. Private Trapanotto’s outstanding courage and complete disregard for his own safety in holding off the enemy forces, undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades, thus enabling the unit to repulse the enemy forces. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Private Trapanotto reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.