The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Maurice J. Vander Veen (MCSN: 990753), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 March 1951. Participating in an attack against a strongly defended enemy hill position when the leading elements were subjected to devastating hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire which temporarily halted their advance, Corporal Vander Veen charged forward though the heavy enemy fire, inspiring his team to follow him in a vicious assault on the hostile position. Although painfully wounded during the attack, he refused medical aid and continued to lead his men forward, neutralizing all enemy positions in his sector. Consenting to evacuation only after the hostile troops had been routed and a defense line established, Corporal Vander Veen, by his aggressive fighting spirit, outstanding leadership and selfless devotion to duty, greatly aided in the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.