The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Eugene M. Morrison (MCSN: 324261), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 2 May 1945. Remaining forward of the front lines with his tank after firing a mission in direct support of an infantry battalion’s assault, Platoon Sergeant Morrison courageously exposed himself to a rain of hostile machine-gun and mortar fire from a position outside of his turret and personally directed the evacuation with his tank of four seriously wounded infantrymen. Severely wounded by an enemy shell fragment before completing his gallant task, he refused medical treatment and continued to remain outside of the safety of the tank turret, hurling smoke grenades to create a smoke screen in rear of his tank and directing walking wounded who were using the vehicle to shield their return to friendly lines. By his courage, coolness and determination under fire, Platoon Sergeant Morrison upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Technical SergeantBatallion:
1st Tank BattalionDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
October 2, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Eugene M. Morrison (MCSN: 324261), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Platoon Sergeant of Company D, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 October 1950. When the platoon was halted by an extensive enemy mine field while supporting attacking infantry elements, and a hostile anti-tank gun opened fire from the right flank, Technical Sergeant Morrison immediately returned fire with his 90-mm. gun. Observing another anti-tank gun on the opposite flank, he directed his gunner to continue firing on the first enemy weapon and, opening the hatch, bravely exposed himself to fierce hostile fire to man the external heavy machine gun, quickly putting the second enemy gun out of action. Boldly maintaining his exposed position, he located an enemy machine gun placing fire on the infantry units and promptly destroyed it. By his marked courage, daring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, Technical Sergeant Morrison served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.