The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Joseph J. Dimaio (MCSN: 0-49424), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 June 1951. Assigned the mission of assaulting an enemy-held ridge occupied by an estimated force of battalion strength, First Lieutenant Dimaio led his platoon up the narrow, exposed ridge line through a withering hail of hostile automatic-weapons and small-arms fire. Skillfully positioning his squads for the final assault he then charged forward over the fire-swept ground with fixed bayonet to inspire his men to follow and to engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Routing the hostile force and rapidly securing the objective, First Lieutenant Dimaio, by his aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and courageous initiative, served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by the company. His unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.