The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Melvin R. Kunkel (MCSN: 469417), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Light Machine Gun Section Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 November 1950. When numerous machine gun stoppages occurred because of the bitter cold weather during a strong attack by a numerically superior hostile force, Sergeant Kunkel fearlessly moved from position to position under blistering shellfire to repair the machine guns and direct return fire against the attackers. Unable to bring fire to bear from his unfavorable position when a breakthrough occurred to the right of his sector, he boldly lifted a machine gun from its tripod and, with the ammunition belt strung over his shoulder, fired directly at the attackers from his hip, inflicting extensive casualties and forcing them to retreat. Although suffering from second degree burns, he courageously fought on until the original defense line was secured and the hostile attack repulsed. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and bold actions against heavy odds, Sergeant Kunkel served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.