The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Rowan Duane Atwood (MCSN: 1123227), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Ammunition Carrier in Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, on 25 September 1950. Repeatedly crossing an exposed ridge in the face of constant hostile machine gun and small arms fire, Private First Class Atwood supplied needed ammunition to his own assault machine gun crew and, in addition, voluntarily provided ammunition for the gun of an adjacent friendly unit also under fire. On the following day while operating his gun in action against the enemy, he was fatally wounded by an enemy hand grenade. Private First Class Atwood’s courage, initiative and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.