The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Lusio Castanoz Ahumada (MCSN: 1292575), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader in a reinforced platoon of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 23 February 1953. When the area was subjected to devastating enemy automatic weapons fire followed closely by a savage hostile assault immediately after he had positioned his fire team in support of a patrol operating forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Ahumada skillfully directed his men in delivering controlled counterfire which repulsed the first attack and forced the enemy to reinforce as a result of heavy casualties. Fearlessly exposing himself to the withering hostile fire as the enemy launched a final assault, he inspired his comrades to hold off the hostile forces until the platoon could rout the attackers and maintain the integrity of the position. Mortally wounded during the action, Private First Class Ahumada, by his courageous leadership, determination and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.