The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Narcisco R. Contreras (MCSN: 667186), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 March 1951. With his company holding fast during an attack on a series of hostile bunkers on rugged mountain terrain and, when a deadly hand grenade duel ensued, Private First Class Contreras raced through the hail of missiles and, hurling a hand grenade into one of the bunkers, succeeded in killing the occupants. Skillfully clearing his jammed rifle when subjected to attack from other hostile positions, he engaged the enemy with accurate fire until his squad advanced to overrun the objective. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and unswerving devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.