The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Robert D. Purcell (MCSN: 0-55350), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 31 January 1953. After the platoon’s assault commenced against an enemy hill position, Second Lieutenant Purcell opened his base of fire and directed it at the hostile positions resisting the advance. Although subjected to heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire throughout the entire action, he maintained radio contact with the company in order to call accurate supporting arms fire. When the assault commander called for aid to evacuate a seriously wounded Marine, he unhesitatingly proceeded to the advance element of the assault force, recovered the casualty and carried him back to a defiladed position. Returning to his unit, Second Lieutenant Purcell continued to direct accurate fire of all supporting arms and of his own base of fire. When contact was broken with the enemy, he covered the return of the raiding party and was the last man to leave the objective area. Throughout the entire withdrawal to the main line of resistance, he expertly controlled the rear guard although the pace was extremely slow because of several stretcher cases and twenty walking casualties. By his outstanding leadership, indomitable courage and gallant devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Purcell served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.