The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Bruce E. Biel (MCSN: 0-54259), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 13 September 1952. Despite continuous enemy mortar and small-arms fire, Second Lieutenant Biel fearlessly led two Marines to the forward slope of the position to lay napalm charges during the defense of a forward outpost. When the enemy increased the intensity of their fire, he unhesitatingly assumed an exposed position to draw the hostile fire away from the working Marines. Upon completion of the task, he ordered the men to the reverse slope and remained in the forward are to personally check the charges and further reconnoiter the sector, returning to the reverse slope when assured that the explosives were properly set. Later, when the enemy launched a determined assault, he quickly advanced to the exposed area and set off the charges, thereby preventing the hostile force from overrunning the outpost. By his gallant leadership, courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Biel served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.