The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal George A. LaFrance (ASN: RA-19382831), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of Medical Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 10 September 1951 in the vicinity of Songhyon-ni, Korea. On that date Corporal LaFrance was a Medical Aidman attached to a unit which was withdrawing from its positions after being relieved by elements of another friendly unit. Corporal LaFrance’s unit was suddenly subjected to intense hostile mortar and artillery fire which inflicted several casualties among his comrades. Without hesitation, he advanced through the hostile fire to aid the stricken men. In the course of this, he was painfully wounded by an enemy mortar burst. Disregarding his own wounds and the intense enemy fire, Corporal LaFrance continued to administer aid to the wounded men. He remained with his fallen comrades until all of them were evacuated to positions of comparative safety and only then did he submit to treatment for his own wounds. His devotion to duty was directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his comrades. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal LaFrance on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.