The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Harry Early (MCSN: 650548), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Wireman of Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 November 1950. Observing a wounded Marine fall in an exposed area to the front of a hostile position during an enemy penetration of a section of the hill defended by his company, Corporal Early, accompanied by another Marine, fearlessly exposed himself to the intense shellfire to run up the ice-coated hill and attempt a rescue. Subjected to a volley of small arms fire from approximately twelve of the enemy upon reaching a point within twenty yards of the casualty, he fought furiously against the outnumbering force, killing six of them before his companion was seriously wounded. Withdrawing from his position and assisting his comrade to the company aid station, Corporal Early returned to the area and, with the assistance of another Marine, succeeded in effecting the evacuation. Painfully burned by bursting enemy white phosphorous mortar shells while assisting in installing wire communications to an assault platoon during a subsequent attack by an adjacent company against a hostile position, he courageously refused to submit to evacuation and, despite intense pain from using his severely burned hands in the bitter sub-zero temperatures, continued his valiant efforts until the mission was completed. His daring initiative, unrelenting determination and cool courage served as an inspiration to all who observed him and reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Early and the United States Naval Service.