The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Henry M. Helms, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Hagaru-ri, Korea, on or about 3 December 1950. When the battalion convoy was pinned down by a cross fire of well-directed enemy sniper fire, sustaining several casualties among the drivers and foot troops, Staff Sergeant Helms placed himself in an extremely open and dangerous position on the side of a hill near the convoy and, skillfully directing the fire from his machine gun on the enemy position throughout a three-hour period, was instrumental in neutralizing the roadblock, thereby allowing the convoy to proceed to Hagaru-ri. His outstanding courage, expert marksmanship, and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.