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 Marion M. Sprinkle (ASN: ER-17255977), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 May 1951, in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On the afternoon of that date, Sergeant Sprinkle was squad leader in a platoon which had the mission to secure a high ridge. As they advanced up the rugged slope, the enemy brought the platoon to a halt with deadly fire from automatic weapons. Realizing that superior fire power was the only means of overcoming the hostile resistance and permitting the advance to continue, and observing a machine gun standing unmanned on a rugged cliff, Sergeant Sprinkle unhesitant exposed himself to the enemy fire as he made his way forward to man the gun. Without regard for his own safety, he operated the machine gun in his exposed position, delivering such deadly and concentrated fire that the enemy was forced to take cover. His fearless action and expert gunnery thus enabled his platoon to renew its attack and seize the objective with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Sprinkle reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.