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 Lonnie L. Vandever (ASN: RA-18313655), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 March 1951, in the vicinity of Sinsogel, Korea. On that date his company was attacking hostile positions located on a high hill. Private Vandever, a light machine gunner, was with the leading platoon. Advancing up the steep slope, they met with heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire from the well-entrenched enemy. At his platoon leader’s command, Private Vandever rushed ahead of the leading riflemen and placed his weapon into position. Although the enemy immediately concentrated his fire upon the machine gun, Private Vandever calmly opened fire and, raking the hostile position with heavy burst of fire, forced the opposition to flee its defenses. The courageous and determined action taken by Private Vandever enabled his comrades quickly to seize the objective and inflict heavy losses upon the enemy. Though painfully wounded in the leg, he steadfastly continued to fire his machine gun until the mission of his company was accomplished. The gallant conduct displayed by Private Vandever on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.