The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal George W. Ponder (MCSN: 1108802), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Demolition Expert of Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 March 1951. When a rifle squad of the infantry company to which he was attached was pinned down by heavy enemy fire emanating from a strong, well-concealed position in the vicinity of Hudong-ni, Corporal Ponder promptly charged the emplacement through an intense barrage of small arms, mortar and machine gun fire and, hurling a white phosphorous grenade with deadly accuracy, forced the hostile crew into the open to escape the explosion. Personally killing four of the enemy as they fled in panic, Corporal Ponder, by his bold actions, dauntless perseverance and extraordinary heroism, undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and contributed to the success achieved by his company. His outstanding courage throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.