The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Vernon E. Firnstahl (MCSN: 1102807), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 April 1951. When a devastating hail of grenade and small arms fire from well-entrenched hostile positions seriously depleted the assaulting units and isolated them from the remainder of the platoon during an attack against a strongly fortified enemy hill position, Private First Class Firnstahl, realizing that his leader had become separated from the squad, bravely rushed through the heavy fire from one man to another and directed effective counterfire upon the hostile strong points, enabling the squad to regain fire superiority before moving to an advantageous position to effect reorganization. Upon receiving the order to resume the attack, Private First Class Firnstahl was among the first to overrun the enemy stronghold during a fierce assault which completely routed the hostile fire. His exceptional courage, inspiring leadership and aggressive fighting spirit were major factors in the ultimate success of the attack and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.