The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Frank A. Gatz (MCSN: 11501121), 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 24 to 27 July 1953. When his tank was surrounded and physically assaulted by hostile troops during a fierce enemy attack on an important friendly position, Staff Sergeant Gatz unhesitatingly called fire upon his own position in an attempt to halt the savage assault. Gallantly holding his isolated post, he continued to deliver deadly fire upon the onrushing troops and aided immeasurably in repelling the tenacious enemy. Later, although fully aware that an enemy attack was impending, he volunteered to take his vehicle to the aid of two disabled tanks located on the same strategic ground where his vehicle had been assaulted two nights previously. Upon arrival at the position, he dismounted from his tank under a murderous hail of hostile mortar and artillery fire in order to attach towing cables to the disabled vehicles. After he had ground-guided the tanks to a position of safety, he moved his own tank into firing position and proceeded to deliver devastating fire upon the attackers. When the enemy again surrounded his tank, he skillfully directed friendly artillery and mortar fire, as well as flares and other tank fire, upon his own position. With the savagely assaulting troops attempting to climb inside his vehicle, he opened one of the hatches and hurled grenades, thereby dispersing the enemy. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Staff Sergeant Gatz contributed in large measure to the success of his unit in defending the vitally important hill position and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.