The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph E. Schilling, Jr. (MCSN: 1192380), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine gunner of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 5 to 7 September 1952. Although wounded during an enemy artillery and mortar barrage while participating in the defense of a strategic outpost more than one mile forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Schilling courageously refused evacuation and remained with his weapon. On the following evening, when the outpost again was brought under intense artillery and mortar fire proceeded by an attack by numerically superior enemy forces, he continued to man his machine gun, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy, until wounded a second time and evacuated. By his exceptional courage, initiative and unyielding devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril, Private First Class Schilling served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.