The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Willis L. Gore (MCSN: 0-43637), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Battery G, Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 December 1950. During a fierce enemy attack, First Lieutenant Gore repeatedly exposed himself to heavy hostile automatic weapons, mortar, grenade and small arms fire to direct the re-emplacement of his howitzers into more advantageous firing positions. Although his battery suffered many casualties during the mortar barrage preceding the assault, he bravely rallied his remaining men and directed devastating fire on the enemy, forcing them to retire with heavy losses. By his daring leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, he served to inspire his men in successfully defending the battery position, thereby saving a large friendly truck convoy from possible destruction or capture on a road nearby and preventing the enemy from establishing a roadblock at a critical point. His marked courage, professional skill and unswerving devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Gore and the United States Naval Service.