The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Roland L. McDaniel (MCSN: 0-52985), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Artillery Aerial Observer in the Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 9 September 1952. Assigned the mission of searching for active enemy artillery positions deep in enemy territory, Second Lieutenant McDaniel spotted the well-camouflaged objectives from his slow unarmed aircraft and, undaunted by intense small arms and antiaircraft fire, skillfully conducted fire missions simultaneously on the active artillery and anti-aircraft gun emplacements. Despite grave hazards, he continued to seek out the hostile targets, remaining in the area until his plane was shot down. His courage, professional skill and zealous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant McDaniel and the United States Naval Service.