The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Richard Marascola, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader, Weapons Company, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division on 15 September 1951. Sergeant Marascola, while attached to Company E, participated in its attack on Hill 749 located in the Division’s area of operations. During the company’s attack of Hill 749 in the mountains of Eastern Korea, lead elements of the Company came under heavy small arms and grenade fire from defenders occupying trenches and well-camouflaged bunkers. Casualties among the attacking Marines were heavy and rapidly suffered. As a result, the initial momentum of the lead elements was stalled just inside the first enemy trench system. At this point, Sergeant Marascola was ordered to lead his rockets and machine guns forward to destroy the bunkers and their defenders. He and three of his men moved into the trenches marking the forward limit of the company’s advance, finding therein many dead and wounded Marines. Sergeant Marascola was hit in the helmet by rifle fire, the bullet passing completely through his helmet. In spite of this hit, he took over one of the machine guns and returned bursts of rapid fire. At this moment, one of the three Marines who had accompanied him forward was killed by enemy fire. Realizing that immediate action must be taken, Sergeant Marascola picked up an automatic rifle, several loaded magazines, and with total disregard for his own safety, ran through enemy small arms fire to the embrasure of the enemy bunker. In spite of the deadly danger of his exposure within the enemy’s defense system, he fired through the embrasure, killing the defenders inside. Without hesitation, he continued his advance by rolling over the crest of the hill and attacked a second bunker, killing the enemy inside. By his courageous actions, aggressive fighting spirit, and total dedication to duty, Sergeant Marascola reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.