The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Marcus V. Rankin (MCSN: 1182035), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 14 July 1953. When a friendly unit inadvertently entered a mine field during the hours of darkness and detonated a mine which killed one Marine and wounded three others, Sergeant Rankin assisted in carrying one of the casualties to the comparative safety of an outpost and returned over the treacherous area to aid the other stricken men. Upon reaching the unit, he again directed and assisted in carrying the wounded Marines to the safety of friendly lines. Although physically exhausted, he proceeded forward through the hazardous mine field in complete darkness in an attempt to retrieve the body of a mortally wounded man and diligently traversed the entire area until daylight to search for his fallen comrade. By his exceptional courage, daring initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of others, Sergeant Rankin served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.