The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Melvin Paul Gamache (MCSN: 1137715), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Automatic Rifleman of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 February 1953. When his platoon was subjected to a deadly hail of automatic weapons fire from numerically superior enemy forces while setting up a perimeter defense around a group of tanks well forward of the main line of resistance, Private Gamache bravely exposed himself to the hostile barrage and delivered effective counterfire, greatly aiding in repulsing the enemy attack. Although his squad’s position was again attacked and partially overrun, he fearlessly continued to fire his weapons and hurl hand grenades and, as the hostile troops approached within a few yards of either flank, Private Gamache dauntlessly fixed his bayonet and faced the advancing enemy at point-blank range until he fell, mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.