The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Sidney H. Hilliard, Jr. (MCSN: 0-48415), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Aerial Observer of the Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 June 1951. Participating in a reconnaissance mission forward of friendly lines, First Lieutenant Hilliard sighted a large hostile force entrenched on a high ridge delivering heavy fire on attacking friendly troops and, immediately requesting close support aircraft, flew low over the enemy through withering automatic weapons fire in the slow, unarmed aircraft in order to pinpoint their positions. With the arrival of fighter aircraft, he carried out two runs in the face of hostile fire to mark the target with smoke grenades for the air strike and later reconnoitered at a low altitude over the area to ascertain the extent of damage to the enemy. Despite damage sustained by his aircraft from hostile fire, he continued to remain over the danger area and effectively directed the second air strike in completely neutralizing the enemy positions. By his expert airmanship, outstanding courage and unswerving devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Hilliard materially aided friendly ground forces in seizing their objective with a minimum of casualties and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.