The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Vernon Jesse Crawford (MCSN: 1200111), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 26 July 1953. When word was received that a friendly machine gun had been destroyed and a replacement was urgently needed, while his platoon was moving into position to effect the relief of another unit on the main line of resistance, Private First Class Crawford voluntarily carried his weapon across an open area under an extremely heavy mortar and artillery barrage to the position where the gun was required. Finding that the bunker formerly used for the machine gun was destroyed, he set his weapon on the top of the trench line in an exposed position and, in the face of intense enemy mortar fire, delivered a deadly hail of fire upon the onrushing hostile troops, inflicting heavy casualties on the attacking enemy. Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic action, Private First Class Crawford, by his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, was greatly instrumental in repulsing the enemy attack and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.