The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gerald A. Kraus (MCSN: 669302), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 1 November to 1 December 1950. Skillfully and courageously performing his duties throughout this period, Private First Class Kraus contributed materially to his company’s success against the enemy. When the hostile force launched a fierce counterattack on 26 November, subjecting his platoon to intense fire on its front and left flank, he voluntarily charged forward straight into the enemy lines in order to rescue a wounded Marine. Although painfully wounded in the face and temporarily blinded while carrying out this action, he made his way back to the platoon, bringing the wounded man safely back with him. By his daring initiative, gallant fighting spirit and selfless determination in the face of grave personal risk, Private First Class Kraus upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.