The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Gilbert E. J. St. Amand (NSN: 2097610), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 12 June 1951. Observing an enemy hand grenade fall on the chest of a wounded man when the company was subjected to devastating hostile small-arms, automatic weapons and hand grenade fire during an attack against a bitterly defended enemy hill position, Corpsman St. Amand quickly leaped forward, seized the deadly missile and hurled it back at the enemy. Although sustaining serious wounds in the arm and leg when the grenade exploded a few feet from his hand, he refused to be evacuated in order to assist in carrying other wounded Marines to safety and to direct the rendering of first aid, accepting treatment for his own wounds only after all other casualties had been cared for. By his outstanding courage, quick initiative and gallant devotion to duty, Hospital Corpsman Third Class St. Amand served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.