The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph C. Sludock (MCSN: 1221079), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 October 1952. When the platoon’s outpost position well forward of the main line of resistance was attacked by a large hostile force during the hours of darkness, Private First Class Sludock immediately positioned his fire team and brought deadly fire to bear upon the enemy. With the unit sustaining several casualties when a sudden barrage of hostile mortar and artillery fire struck the outpost, he moved the casualties to a sheltered tunnel and, remaining at one of the entrances, delivered intense fire upon the enemy with his submachine gun. Aggressively firing his weapon, he was instrumental in killing five of the attackers and wounding at least five others. After the enemy withdrew, he moved through the trench line to ensure that all the wounded had been placed in covered positions. When the second enemy assault was launched, Private First Class Sludock and several other Marines engaged the attackers in hand-to-hand combat until it was impossible to repel the numerically superior hostile force, whereupon he again assumed a position to protect the casualties. Subsequently, when an artillery barrage forced the enemy to withdraw, he returned to the tunnel to offer words of encouragement to the wounded and to assist wherever possible. By his outstanding leadership, indomitable courage and gallant devotion to duty, Private First Class Sludock served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.