The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard Hawelu (MCSN: 1245313), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 19 – 20 March 1953. Encountering a hostile company forming for an attack while he was leading a six-man reconnaissance patrol on a mission of screening an outpost forward of the main lines, Corporal Hawelu fearlessly engaged the enemy in a brief fire fight, despite the overwhelming odds, in order to warn the outpost personnel of the impending danger. Skillfully taking advantage of the enemy’s confusion created by his first volley of fire, he ordered the patrol to withdraw to the outpost, courageously exposing himself to the intense hostile mortar and small arms fire to direct the patrol’s movements. Although painfully wounded during the action, he carried several of his wounded comrades back to the outpost before the enemy attack had gained full momentum and, once his unit had successfully disengaged and was re-established in the defense of the outpost, assisted the outpost leader during the subsequent battle. By his daring initiative, outstanding leadership and zealous devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy fire, Corporal Hawelu served to inspire all who observed him and greatly aided in maintaining the integrity of the position, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.