The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ruben Garcia-Morales (MCSN: 1259946), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 11 January 1953. When his squad was pinned down by intense hostile automatic weapons and hand grenade fire before it reached the enemy trench line during an assault against a strongly defended hill position, Private First Class Garcia-Morales single-handedly advanced up the fire-swept slope. Although forced back repeatedly by hostile grenade fire, he eventually reached the trench line and succeeded in silencing an enemy machine gun with two grenades. Despite the persistent hostile fire, he remained in his extremely hazardous position to cover the squad’s withdrawal from the hill. By his outstanding courage, quick initiative and aggressive fighting spirit, Private First Class Garcia-Morales undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.