The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Pascal E. Stephens, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 September 1951. Leading the assault fire team of his platoon up a steep, bare, strongly defended hill, Corporal Stephens continually exposed himself to intense hostile small arms, mortar, and automatic weapons fire in an attempt to dislodge the enemy forces from their well-entrenched positions on the crest of the vitally strategic ridge. Boldly charging the enemy positions, he inflicted numerous casualties by delivering accurate rifle fire and well-thrown hand grenades. Corporal Stephens skillfully directed and coordinated effective rifle and automatic rifle fire on the hostile positions until his unit, inspired by his daring leadership, joined in the platoon assault and charged the last 100 yards, seized the objective and dislodged the defending enemy troops. Although severely wounded in the right ear, he refused to be evacuated and, remaining with his men, organized a hasty defense of the area, aiding his men throughout the night in repelling several hostile counterattacks. By his bold courage and unswerving devotion to duty, Corporal Stephens upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.