The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private John L. Bibler (MCSN: 1082774), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 28 November to 3 December 1950. When a numerically superior hostile force armed with automatic weapons, small arms and mortars launched a fierce counterattack against his platoon on 3 December, Private Bibler quickly and voluntarily brought his machine gun into action and delivered intense, accurate fire which destroyed the leading elements of the hostile force and disorganized the remainder. After the hostile troops had reformed and were continuing the attack, he staunchly manned his weapon in the face of a concentration of heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire and, although painfully wounded, bravely continued to direct effective fire until the hostile counterattack was repelled. His courageous initiative, coolness in the face of grave personal risk and indomitable fighting spirit served to inspire the members of his platoon and his company, thereby reflecting great credit upon Private Bibler and the United States Naval Service.