The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Howard C. Davenport, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 October 1952. When his patrol was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force, Private First Class Davenport, in covering the evacuation of the many casualties, continually exposed himself to hostile fire in moving across open terrain to resupply arms and ammunition, in order to keep the rear-guard action effective. Through his outstanding courage and determined efforts, he was greatly instrumental in preventing further casualties to his patrol. His heroic and inspiring devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.