The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Francis Fox Parry (MCSN: 0-7187), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 and 3 December 1950. Displaying outstanding courage and initiative in directing the operations of his battalion, Major Parry skillfully kept all his weapons in action and rendered continuous and highly effective artillery support to the infantry operations, despite sub-zero weather, rocky and mountainous terrain, critical ammunition shortages, personnel and equipment casualties and almost constant displacements. In one instance, he dauntlessly proceeded with the point of the leading infantry unit to make a timely reconnaissance for artillery positions in terrain where suitable positions were almost impossible to find. In order to get his leading battery into position to prevent the interruption of artillery support, he personally reconnoitered an area that was still being fought for by infantry units and, gallantly moving the battery into the area in the face of murderous hostile fire, directed its emplacement. After establishing a defensive perimeter, he successfully defended the position against constant enemy efforts to dislodge the unit and capture the friendly guns, displacing his weapons only after the rear guard of the infantry approached his position and artillery support was assumed by another of his batteries. By his outstanding leadership, gallant fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to the fulfillment of a vital task, Major Parry was materially responsible for the success achieved by his battalion and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.