The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Rex E. Ponsor, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Marine Engineer Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 13 March 1953. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Ponsor displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. While he was working with a camouflage detail, it was suddenly subjected to intense enemy artillery fire. After seeking the safety of a nearby bunker, he noticed a wounded Marine lying in the open under the direct observation of the enemy. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he unhesitatingly left his covered position and courageously advanced under devastating hostile artillery fire to render aid to his injured comrade. Although painfully wounded while administering the medical aid, he left the wounded Marine only after he had been successfully evacuated. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Ponsor’s gallant and courageous actions served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.