The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Melvin H. Deegan (MCSN: 1206836), 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 on 6 and 7 September 1952. When the forward outpost was brought under an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage and was attacked by a numerically superior hostile force, Private First Class Deegan, though painfully wounded in the arm during the initial barrage, continued to man his weapon, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy and keeping his sector of the perimeter secure. Wounded a second time and forced to leave his weapon, Private First Class Deegan steadfastly remained at his position, although in considerable pain from his wounds and under intense fire, directed a rifleman in firing the machine gun so that the weapon would remain in action. His exceptional courage, initiative and unyielding devotion to duty served to inspire all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.