The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Marzell Lemons (ASN: US-53100425), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 24 May and during the early morning hours of 25 May 1953, elements of Company C were performing a security mission forward of the main line of resistance in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, when an enemy group attempted to cut-off elements of the security group. Sergeant Lemons, a squad leader, quickly evaluated the situation and unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, proceeded with his AR man to a position to the right flank of the enemy attacking force. Exposing himself to an estimated sixty enemy troops, he gained an advantageous fire position, from which he directed devastating automatic weapons fire, throwing them into utter chaos, and inflicting heavy casualties, thus preventing the attacking enemy from cutting off the friendly force and inflicting heavy casualties upon the members of the group. After effectively disorganizing the enemy, Sergeant Lemons, with sterling leadership and calm deliberation remained in the exposed position, continued the accurate, deadly fire and skillfully threw hand grenades into the enemy until the assault was repelled. As a result of his actions the attempt by the enemy to cut-off the security element was repulsed. He contributed directly to the successful accomplishment of the security mission. Sergeant Lemons’ outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.