The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Steve C. Lara (ASN: RA-38341988), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June and during the early morning hours of 15 June 1953, Company E had the mission of raiding enemy held Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Enemy artillery and mortar fire began falling in the area, causing numerous casualties. Sergeant Lara, leader of a section attached to the support element, placed his assistant in command and rushed toward the objective under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, making three trips between the objective and friendly lines, evacuating the wounded men. Although exhausted from these actions, Sergeant LARA found a wounded comrade and evacuated him to friendly lines. Sergeant Lara’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.