William J. Lafrance

Awarded the Silver Star posthumously. The company was engaged in attacking the firmly entrenched enemy on Hill 402 and was halfway to the assigned objective when an extremely intense volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire pinned down the assaulting elements. Pvt. LaFrance, quickly sizing up the situation, voluntarily made his way beyond his platoon's position. In spite of heavy concentration of hostile fire, he, with two comrades, worked his way to within 50 feet of the emplacements. From this spot, he fired into the enemy's midst, and when his ammunition was exhausted, he unhesitatingly arose, oblivious to the hail of fire, and fearlessly charged directly towards the Chinese. Although he was killed in this act, his aggressive and selfless act so surprised the enemy that they shifted their fire from the platoon, thereby allowing the friendly forces to continue forward and accomplish their mission. Pvt. LaFrance's conspicuous gallantry and supreme devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.