The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jason M. Hassinger, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Fire Team Leader, Company F, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, SECOND Marine Division (Forward), II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan, on 5 March 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During a security patrol in northern Marjah, Corporal Hassinger’s squad became engaged, and one of the patrol sections was pinned down by intense and sustained machine gun fire. As Corporal Hassinger immediately led his section forward to suppress the enemy, he sustained four direct hits to his personal protective equipment. Disregarding his injuries, he boldly led his team forward to a position from which they suppressed the enemy and enabled the trapped Marines to maneuver out of the kill zone. Braving accurate incoming fire, he calmly and fearlessly directed his team while delivering devastating fire on the enemy with his own M-4 rifle and M-203 grenade launcher. After silencing the enemy’s fire, Corporal Hassinger helped re-organize and prepare the squad to cut off the enemy’s egress. He repeatedly refused medical evacuation until he finally collapsed from his wounds. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Corporal Hassinger reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.