The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant [then Private First Class] Harold C. Melonson, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Machine Gunner serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 December 1950. Participating in the defense of part of his Division’s perimeter around the vital supply and assembly area of Hagaru-ri when a fanatic night attack on this position was made by an estimated enemy force of 250 troops, Gunnery Sergeant Melonson steadfastly remained at his post and delivered devastating machine gun fire on this force until wounded in the face and right hand by an enemy grenade. After he was evacuated and received first aid, he voluntarily returned to the platoon front despite concussion and the severe pain from his wounds. Locating a light machine gun that was not being used, Gunnery Sergeant Melonson organized a machine gun squad from several stragglers and moved the gun to the flank where he could fire laterally into the masked positions of the enemy. With the enemy preparing for an assault against his sector, he succeeded in delivering accurate and deadly fire against them through his skillful placement of the machine gun, thereby contributing immeasurably to the successful defense of the entire Division perimeter. Gunnery Sergeant Melonson’s outstanding courage, initiative, and inspiring devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.