The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Philip J. Wagner (MCSN: 1266002), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 19 September 1952. Participating as a member of a rescue party to assist a patrol that had been ambushed, Private First Class Wagner moved forward with the unit until the enemy, situated on a ridge, detected members of the party and directed intense small arms fire on them. As the rescue party maneuvered to the base of the ridge to escape the devastating fire, the enemy began to throw grenades in their direction. When a hostile grenade landed in the midst of the group with the time fuse ignited, Private First Class Wagner, not knowing the exact location of the men around him and unwilling to risk their lives by throwing the grenade, courageously seized the missile and covered it with his body. Although the grenade was defective and failed to explode, his willingness to sacrifice his own life to protect his comrades served as an inspiration to all who observed him. His exceptional courage and daring initiative reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Wagner and the United States Naval Service.