The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Otis R. Waldrop (MCSN: 0-33686), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 June 1951. Assigned the mission of attacking and seizing a high ridge which was well defended by a series of fortified enemy emplacements, Captain Waldrop courageously led his men up a narrow, exposed cliff in the face of fierce enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire. Repeatedly exposing himself to the hostile fire to deploy his platoons, he moved forward of the assault echelons several times to select a better route of approach for his platoons and launched an extremely vigorous attack which engulfed the position and completely routed the enemy. By his courageous leadership, daring initiative and valiant fighting spirit, Captain Waldrop served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.