The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Carey Shaw Cowart, Jr. (MCSN: 0-50795), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a 60-mm. Mortar Section of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 20 March 1951. Participating in a company attack against a series of strongly defended hostile positions in difficult terrain when automatic weapons and small arms fire temporarily halted the advance, Second Lieutenant Cowart immediately placed his section in tactical positions to deliver supporting fire and boldly moved forward to direct the firing. With visibility limited by several small forest fires which were burning in the area, he advanced to the forward slope of a fire-swept ridge from which he could observe more effectively. Courageously refusing to seek cover, he remained in his exposed position and continued adjusting accurate fire until he fell mortally wounded. His cool leadership, tactical skill and indomitable courage were contributing factors in permitting the company to maneuver successfully and seized the hostile emplacements, thereby reflecting great credit upon Second Lieutenant Coward and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.