The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade (ChC) Cornelius Joseph Griffin (NSN: 0-522437), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Chaplain for the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea during the period 2 November through 8 November 1950. On 3 November at 0130 the enemy conducted a fierce coordinated night attack against elements of the Seventh Marines. During the height of the attack Chaplain Griffin continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire as he moved among the troops lending encouragement. His very presence and display of courage inspired the men about him and aided materially in a rapid consolidation of the lines. During the later morning of 3 November the same units of the Seventh Marines were subjected to heavy small arms fire. Chaplain Griffin left the comparative security of the battalion sick bay where he was rendering aid to the wounded and moved back to the front lines. Here he repeatedly exposed himself without regard for his personal safety to render what aid he could to the men wounded in the attack. Chaplain Griffin served as a veritable pillar of strength for the men of the organization and served as an unforgettable inspiration to all who observed him. His knowledge, use of first aid, coupled with the spiritual comfort he lent, proved to be invaluable assets to the organization. Chaplain Griffin’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.