The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joe C. Hill (MCSN: 110146), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Cannoneer of Battery D, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces near Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 4 December 1950. When an enemy mortar shell landed in the gun pit, killed or wounded all members of his gun crew and started a fire which threatened one hundred rounds of high-explosive ammunition stored in an adjacent pit, Private First Class Hill immediately emerged from his tent and, although not on a duty watch, risked danger from exploding ammunition and continued enemy mortar fire to enter the pit and proceed to smother the fire with his parka. By his daring initiative, prompt action and cool courage in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Hill prevented serious injury to the remaining men and materiel of his organization and enabled the battery to keep his gun in action during a critical phase of the operation, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.