The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Matthew D. Monk (MCSN: 273489), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 27 October 1950. With his platoon subjected to a concentrated enemy attack while carrying out an independent outpost mission, Master Sergeant Monk skillfully maintained his platoon position under three separate onslaughts, boldly moving from position to position to insure that his lines still held. When the final attack encircled his outpost and threatened to overrun his platoon, he moved through the intense barrage to the most threatened areas to lend personal assurance and confidence to the men on the line. Forced to re-dispose his platoon when the enemy finally penetrated his lines, he directed a brilliantly executed defense and, despite close range hostile automatic weapons and grenade fire, led and inspired his men to heroic efforts in defeating all attempts by the enemy to take his position and in inflicting heavy casualties among the aggressors. By his forceful and determined leadership, aggressive tactics and heroic efforts throughout the fierce engagement, Master Sergeant Monk served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.