The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Fred L. File (MCSN: 1138535), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Headquarters Battery, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving as Chief of an artillery Forward Observer Team of the First Korean Marine Corps Regiment, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 July 1951. With his unit forced to temporarily withdraw when subjected to a savage counterattack from enemy forces occupying heavily fortified positions, Private First Class File immediately moved to a rear position with his team and, noticing that the field telephone used to contact supporting artillery had been left behind, rushed forward in the face of intense hostile fire to within 100 yards of the advancing enemy, retrieving the instrument and returning safe to the new position. By his courageous efforts, he enabled the unit to re-establish communications with the artillery and contributed materially to the success of the subsequent counterattack by the regiment which completely routed the hostile forces. His daring initiative, outstanding bravery and zealous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class File and the United States Naval Service.