The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joe Raymond Varela (MCSN: 625211), 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 8 March 1951. Participating in the attack against a well-fortified enemy hill position, Corporal Varela moved forward in the face of withering enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, and skillfully maneuvered his fire team as the leading element, overrunning successive hostile bunkers. As the assault progressed, his unit was suddenly subjected to an accurate barrage of enemy hand grenades thrown from a strategically located bunker on commanding ground. Realizing that the success of the attack depended on the rapid neutralization of the bunker, he quickly charged forward through the deadly barrage in a single-handed assault, accurately throwing hand grenades into the apertures. By his indomitable courage, determination and aggressive fighting spirit, Corporal Varela was greatly instrumental in the neutralization of the strategic ground and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.