The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ernest J. Cordova (MCSN: 1095693), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces during a company assault up a large hill against strong and numerically superior hostile opposition in Korea on 3 December 1950. After an air strike and supporting fire from heavy ground weapons had permitted his company to move toward the objective, Private First Class Cordova crept forward in the face of enemy machine gun and small arms fire which had pinned down his squad and, pausing repeatedly to fire his automatic rifle, succeeded in advancing approximately thirty yards in front of the company’s forward lines on the right flank. Moving to the left of the hostile position, he flanked an enemy machine gun, put it out of action by throwing two hand grenades into the emplacement and remained at his post to deliver accurate and effective fire on the retreating hostile troops. By his courageous initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, he contributed materially to the advance of his platoon and seizure of its assigned sector of the objective. His inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect great credit upon Private First Class Cordova and the United States Naval Service.