The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George E. Buckthorpe (MCSN: 670664), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 February 1951. When his unit was subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons fire while attacking across an exposed ridge line, and his squad leader and numerous members of his group became casualties, Private First Class Buckthorpe bravely moved through the hail of hostile fire, promptly assumed command and led the men in a successful assault against the enemy strong point. After hastily directing the squad in consolidating the new position, he ran to the assistance of a wounded Marine lying in an area exposed to heavy hostile small arms fire, carried him to a covered spot, administered firs aid and arranged for the evacuation of the stricken man. By his courageous leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless efforts in behalf of a comrade, Private First Class Buckthorpe served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by his company, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.