The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gasper Eldirdge (MCSN: 1076114), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 September 1951. Observing a wounded Marine lying in an exposed position during a vicious enemy mortar and artillery barrage directed against his platoon’s defensive sector, Private First Class Eldirdge unhesitatingly charged forward through the intense hostile fire to reach the wounded man. Although painfully wounded by shrapnel and literally surrounded by bursting shells, he courageously continued to advance and, reaching the casualty, quickly administered first aid and carried him to safety. By his daring initiative, valiant determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Private First Class Eldirdge was instrumental in saving the wounded man’s life and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.