The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Harold W. Rowland (MCSN: 617245), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 September 1950. When his platoon was pinned down under intense hostile fire during the advance of his company, Sergeant Rowland unhesitatingly moved forward to assault an enemy machine gun nest with grenade and rifle fire. Courageously executing his attack, he succeeded in destroying the gun and its crew, and returning to his squad, proceeded to dress the wounds suffered by five of his men. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive determination and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave danger, Sergeant Rowland contributed materially to the success of his company and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.