The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant August P. Longo, Jr. (MCSN: 1136179), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 December 1952. Although painfully wounded while leading his unit in a night raid on heavily fortified enemy positions, Sergeant Longo refused medical care and continued in the assault, firing his weapon and shouting words of encouragement to his comrades. After entering the enemy trenches, he was wounded again and rendered unconscious. Upon regaining consciousness, he refused evacuation until the rest of his comrades were safely removed to a defiladed area and, during the evacuation, uttered words of encouragement which greatly enhanced the morale of the other Marines. By his outstanding courage and daring initiative, Sergeant Longo served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.