The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard W. Collenette (MCSN: 1112456), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company G, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1951. With his platoon brought under intense enemy machine gun fire during an assault against a strongly fortified and well-camouflaged hill position, Corporal Collenette fearlessly moved forward to an exposed position and delivered accurate fire to silence the enemy. Award of the importance of quick action when he realized that his fire had failed to dispose of the gun’s crew, he promptly hurled two grenades into the emplacement and, when they failed to explode, bravely charged the position, killing one of the enemy, wounding another and possibly a third who fled from the position in panic. Undaunted, he spearheaded his platoon’s drive to the objective, killing many of the aggressors and contributing to the successful seizure of the key terrain. His daring and aggressive leadership, bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of heavy odds reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Collenette and the United States Naval Service.