The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Douglas V. Bird (MCSN: 1122905), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Ammunition Bearer in Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 April 1951. When the company was subjected to a violent attack by a numerically superior hostile force, Private First Class Bird fearlessly exposed himself to devastating enemy fire to direct heavy rifle fire on the advancing attackers. With his ammunition expended as a small group of hostile soldiers penetrated the position after the main enemy attack was successfully repulsed, he courageously grappled with one of the enemy with his bare hands and, although painfully wounded, succeeded in hurling the enemy bodily from the position. By his aggressive fighting spirit, daring initiative and unyielding devotion to duty, Private First Class Bird served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.