The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harvey F. Dethloff, Jr. (MCSN: 1153547), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 24-25 July 1953. Although painfully wounded during the early stages of an attack by a numerically superior enemy force on the main line of resistance, Private First Class Dethloff remained at his position, delivering devastating fire upon the advancing enemy and shouting words of encouragement to his comrades. When his machine gun was put out of action by hostile mortar fire, he moved to another position in the trench line and hurled hand grenades to assist in repelling the onrushing enemy forces. Wounded a second time while engaged in the fierce encounter, he refused evacuation and maintained his position until assured that the company’s sector of the lines was secure. By his aggressive fighting spirit, fortitude and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Dethloff served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.