The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Marshall L. Garst (MCSN: 1101836), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 20 to 24 July 1953. Assigned the difficult and hazardous mission of firing supporting fire for two infantry companies that were attacking two vital outpost positions far forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Garst positioned his tank on the forward slope of a hill and delivered effective return fire on the enemy at point-blank range. When his tank sustained power battery failure, he unhesitatingly climbed out of the vehicle in the face of murderous enemy artillery fire and, cranking the tank’s auxiliary generator by hand, succeeded in charging the vehicle’s batteries and starting the engine, thereby maintaining communication and mobility. On another occasion, when one of several direct enemy hits knocked one of the tracks partially off the vehicle, he again dismounted under deadly hostile fire and, fully aware that the enemy had zeroed in on his vehicle, guided the tank back on its track. Although painfully wounded by enemy fire, he refused to be evacuated. With his tank disabled a third time, he requested the use of a retriever tank and moved it into firing position where he delivered a large volume of devastating fire upon the attacking enemy. Throughout the fierce action, he was instrumental in inflicting heavy casualties on the entrenched enemy on the outpost positions. By his aggressive fighting spirit, marked courage and perseverance, Sergeant Garst served to inspire all w ho observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.