The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Dennard Merrill Figg (MCSN: 654162), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rocket Launcher Team Leader in Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 December 1950. When his convoy was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force employing small arms, machine guns, mortars, hand grenades and rockets, Corporal Figg exposed himself to the hostile fire to employ his rocket launcher which failed to fire due to faulty ammunition. Meanwhile, enemy rocket fire exploded several vehicles which brightly illuminated the entire convoy. Despite the extremely heavy hostile fire, he crossed the illuminated area to obtain ammunition from a forward vehicle and, as he stood to remove the ammunition from the vehicle, was mortally wounded by hostile machine gun fire. By his courageous actions, he served to inspire all who observed him to heroic efforts toward repulsing the enemy attack. His outstanding fortitude, initiative and aggressive fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Figg and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.