The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Mayhlon L. Degernes, Jr. (MCSN: 0-50038), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 and 29 November 1950. During a vicious attack by a numerically superior enemy force at Hagaru-ri, Second Lieutenant Degernes courageously exposed himself to intense hostile fire in order to move from flank to flank of his platoon, checking his men’s positions, directing their fire and offering them encouragement. On one occasion, observing the flash from two enemy machine guns, he immediately left his covered position and, under heavy fire, moved approximately 100 yards to the left flank where a 75-mm recoilless rifle was located. Personally firing tracers from a machine gun, he pointed out the targets to the recoilless rifle crew, enabling them to destroy the hostile machine-gun emplacements. Later upon observing enemy mortar flashes, he again proceeded to the recoilless rifle crew, directing their fire until the mortar was destroyed. Although painfully wounded in the chin when an enemy mortar shell exploded within ten feet of his position, he went to the aid of another more seriously wounded Marine and assisted in the man’s evacuation. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Second Lieutenant Degernes upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.