The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Gilbert M. Westa (MCSN: 0-49396), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1951. Leading his men up a steep slope in the face of devastating hostile mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire during an attack against a strongly fortified enemy hill position, First Lieutenant Westa moved well ahead of the platoon in order to seek routes of advance and to gain points from which he could observe the enemy positions and direct his unit’s fire. Expertly maneuvering his men to gain fire superiority over the enemy, he led the unit in a vicious assault on the positions and, despite a severe wound sustained while moving in the attack, refused medical aid until the position had been overrun and the entrenched hostile forces had been routed with heavy losses. By his outstanding leadership, daring initiative and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Westa contributed materially to the success of the mission and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.