The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Minard P. Newton, Jr. (MCSN: 0-49755), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yudam-ni, Korea, on 27 November 1950. When a numerically superior enemy attacked his company’s position with small arms, automatic weapons and mortars during the night, Second Lieutenant Newton fought bravely as the fanatical force overran a sector occupied by his platoon. Promptly reorganizing his units, he spearheaded a counterattack up the steep, precipitous ridge and, when the company was ordered to move to a new location, volunteered to remain as the rear guard. Dauntlessly holding his exposed position against two consecutive hostile onslaughts, he enabled his company to advance to the newly assigned sector with a minimum of casualties. His aggressive and determined leadership, fearless tactics and zealous devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds served as an inspiration to all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Newton and the United States Naval Service.