The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard W. Marson (MCSN: 1187211), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 September 1951. After returning from a dangerous patrol which had moved through enemy-infested territory in order to procure urgently needed mortar ammunition to repel hostile counterattacks, Private First Class Marson learned of two comrades who lay critically wounded in an outpost some two hundred yards forward of his position and subjected to accurate enemy fire. Voluntarily, he moved forward through the heavy enemy mortar and small arms fire, reached the besieged outpost and succeeded in returning to friendly lines with one of the wounded Marines. Once again he exposed himself to the hostile fire to go to the rescue of the other Marine and, while returning with him to safety, was struck by enemy fire and fell, mortally wounded. By his exceptional courage and selfless efforts in behalf of others, Private First Class Marson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.