The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Paul R. Giordani (MCSN: 0-56918), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 8 – 9 July 1953. Assigned the mission of relieving a friendly unit that sustained many casualties during the re-capture of a combat outpost far forward of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Giordani fearlessly led his platoon through a murderous enemy mortar and artillery barrage which was blanketing the entire area of approach. Upon reaching the outpost, he moved from one position to another to insure that the fighting positions were sufficiently reconstructed in order to ward off an imminent enemy counterattack. With the hostile troops launching a fierce attack on his sector following two hours of devastating preparatory fire, he called for friendly supporting fire and then dauntlessly moved among his men, directing their fire and shouting words of encouragement. When the enemy entered his position and engaged the friendly forces in hand-to-hand combat, he gallantly continued to direct the efforts of his men although personally confronted by several of the enemy who were subsequently killed. By his aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Giordani contributed in large measure to the success of his platoon in inflicting many casualties on the enemy and in repelling the overwhelming hostile force, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.