The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Homer E. Hire (MCSN: 0-6152), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 and 3 June 1951. Assigned the mission of passing through a friendly unit to continue the attack in the Hwachon Reservoir area, Lieutenant Colonel Hire led his command group on a reconnaissance through areas under enemy observation. When the group was subjected to intense enemy mortar fire, causing numerous casualties, he fearlessly remained exposed to enemy fire to carry the wounded to safety and to insure that they received medical treatment. Proceeding with the reconnaissance, he expertly formed a battle plan and, reorganizing his battalion despite the loss of four company commanders, led his men in the attack the following morning, seizing all the objectives. By his resourceful leadership, cool courage and unswerving devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Hire served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.