The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Edwin A. Deptula (MCSN: 0-49893), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 18 September 1950. Assigned the mission of seizing a road junction while the remainder of the company attacked Kimpo Airfield, Second Lieutenant Deptula moved his platoon out under cover of darkness and quickly secured his objective. Unable to contact the company when communications failed, he established a perimeter of defense and, by skillful fire control and maneuver, successfully withstood a violent enemy attack on his position, fearlessly exposing himself to heavy fire to move among his men and direct the defense. Shortly after the attack was repulsed, he heard enemy tanks nearby and, aware that he had no antitank weapons and could not withstand a tank attack, executed an orderly withdrawal, locating his company despite the darkness and providing valuable information which enabled the company to repulse the enemy attack a short time later By his inspiring leadership, marked courage and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Deptula contributed materially to the success of the company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.