The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Orlan R. Lodge, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Battery, Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 – 4 December 1950. As assistant officer in charge of the howitzers and tractors of the battalion during the movement from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, Captain Lodge placed himself at the scene of all difficulties and hazards resulting from enemy fire, road blocks, icy roads, and mountainous terrain. Although suffering from a painful shoulder injury received in preventing a vehicle carrying wounded Marines from overturning, and a serious head wound from enemy mortar fire, he continued to lead his men and equipment through heavily interdicted areas. When the column was halted by a shortage of fuel, and was also confronted with a road block manned by a vastly numerically superior enemy force, he obtained a volunteer driver to accompany him in running the gauntlet of hostile positions to obtain assistance from the perimeter at Hagaru-ri. Negotiating a blown-out bridge under heavy fire, he succeeded in moving through the fire-swept enemy territory to the perimeter. Through his courageous efforts, fuel and aid were dispatched to the beleaguered column before he collapsed from injuries sustained the previous day. Captain Lodge’s outstanding professional skill, resourcefulness and inspiring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.