The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Henri E. Hansotte (ASN: 0-1874677), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division, in action near Sokkogae, Korea. On 17 April 1953, during an intensive offensive by numerically superior enemy forces, Lieutenant Hansotte moved into a key position in the battered command post where he could better observe the actions of the enemy. When hordes of the fanatical enemy charged through their own artillery and mortar fire, Lieutenant Hansotte stood in an exposed position in order to direct plunging fire on them. Although knocked from his position by the blasts from enemy artillery, mortar, and satchel charge fire, Lieutenant Hansotte returned to the position again and again, inflicting numerous casualties among the enemy. The fearless determination and aggressive leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Hansotte were sources of great inspiration to all members of the organization and contributed materially to the successful defense of the command post. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Hansotte reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.