The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Bobby L. Halstead (MCSN: 628172), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Weapons Company, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving with an infantry company, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 April 1951. Unable to secure another weapon when his machine gun was damaged during a night-long attack on the company position by a large enemy force, Private First Class Halstead skillfully maintained a maximum volume of accurate, effective fire throughout the night without a single stoppage. Although severely wounded by enemy hand grenades, he refused to leave his weapon and delivered withering fire on the enemy until the attack subsided. One two occasions, when the enemy penetrated to within twenty feet of his position, he fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire to repel the attackers with a pistol and hand grenades, accounting for three enemy dead. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Halstead served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the successful defense of the strategic ground, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.