The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Damon Juan Larson (MCSN: 0-49965), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Machine Gun Platoon of Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yudam-ni, Korea, on 28 November 1950. When fifteen of the enemy overran one of his machine gun positions during a strong hostile attack against the company’s defensive line, Second Lieutenant Larson, in company with one of his men, immediately proceeded to attempt the recapture of the vital emplacement. Fired upon by two hostile soldiers as he neared the position, he succeeded in annihilating one of the enemy before he was mortally wounded by the other. By his superb leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the repulse of the hostile attack, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.