The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Earl Ladd, Jr. (MCSN: 595369), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 March 1951. Assigned the mission of moving with the assault platoon in the company attack of a strongly fortified hill position defended by a determined enemy force, Private First Class Lass courageously exposed himself to devastating enemy automatic weapons, hand grenade and small arms fire to move his weapon continually forward in support of the advancing infantry. Remaining at his gun in exposed positions for a total of eighteen hours, he continually poured heavy fire on hostile positions and, when an air strike was called in on the enemy, remained at his gun although rockets landed perilously close to his position. Throughout the entire action, he rendered close fire support most effectively and contributed materially to the final successful seizure of the strategic ground. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, Private First Class Ladd upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.