The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John R. Lilley, II (MCSN: 0-51061), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 31 May 1951. Although painfully wounded when the platoon he was leading in an attack on a strongly defended enemy hill position was subjected to withering hostile mortar, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire, causing numerous casualties, Second Lieutenant Lilley quickly reorganized his platoon and personally led his men in a vicious assault that overran the enemy position. Refusing to permit himself to be evacuated, he remained with his men throughout the night, skillfully directing the defense of his sector, until the following morning when he accepted medical treatment after the security of the position was assured. By his courageous leadership, exceptional fortitude and unswerving devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Lilley served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.