The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Welby W. Cronk (MCSN: 0-28363), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 September 1950. Assigned the mission of leading the battalion column eastward through the streets of Seoul in continuation of the attack, Captain Cronk immediately reorganized his company in order to accelerate the advance and, despite a virtual hail of enemy small arms, machine gun and automatic weapons fire, moved into the center of the street and spearheaded a determined attack while simultaneously designating targets to his supporting tanks. Continuing the assault in the face of mounting heavy and intense hostile fire, he resolutely led his men through the opposing defenses and forced the enemy to retreat in complete disorder, thereby facilitating the subsequent seizure of the battalion’s main objective. His outstanding courage, excellent leadership and daring initiative reflect the highest credit upon Captain Cronk and the United States Naval Service.