The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Frederick H. Blouch (Blough) (MCSN: 1189937), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 and 28 October 1952. During an assault to recapture a sector of the main line of resistance that had been previously overrun by the enemy, Private First Class Blouch spearheaded his platoon’s first attack on the objective. When the initial assault was turned back after suffering numerous casualties from the intense enemy mortar, artillery and sniper fire, he immediately joined another platoon in a second assault which was also forced to withdraw by the heavy enemy fire. Joining a third platoon in another attempt, he stormed forward and, first to reach the objective, quickly set up an automatic weapon to provide supporting fire for the remainder of the assault troops. After destroying two enemy riflemen who had inflicted many casualties on his unit, he moved forward of the new perimeter of defense and assisted in the evacuation of wounded Marines. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and unyielding devotion to duty, Private First Class Blouch served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the recapture of the critical terrain, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.