The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Sidney M. Marks (ASN: 0-36977), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Songju, Korea, on 24 September 1950. During the establishment of Naktong River bridge-head, his battalion was ordered to attack enemy positions in the Songju sector, where the enemy was stubbornly resisting the advance of other United Nations forces and threatening the entire operation. With only the vaguest of information concerning the enemy available and without any previous reconnaissance of the area, Major Marks personally moved ahead of the battalion to reconnoiter and select the best route of advance. After contact with the enemy had been made he continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in reconnoitering for the improvement of company positions. The information secured through his gallant actions aided immeasurably in the successful accomplishment of the battalion’s mission. Major Marks’ gallantry and devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.