The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard E. McDurmin (MCSN: 587456), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Runner in Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Seoul, Korea, on 2 October 1950. Voluntarily braving hostile small arms and machine gun fire, Private First Class McDurmin helped to remove wounded Marines, attached to an adjacent platoon, to a covered position, thereby assisting materially in successfully evacuating all the casualties. Personally reorganizing the remaining members of the adjoining unit, he fearlessly led them in a vigorous assault against well-entrenched enemy forces. His skill, courageous initiative and gallant devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile opposition were contributing factors in the successful accomplishment of the assigned mission and reflect great credit upon Private First Class McDurmin and the United States Naval Service.