The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph E. McDermott (MCSN: 664321), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 November 1950. Suddenly confronted by an enemy tank while advancing as Fire Team Leader at the point of a motorized patrol, Corporal McDermott bravely climbed onto the hostile vehicle in an attempt to open the hatch and deposit a hand grenade within. Unable to open the cover, he knocked down the periscope and thereby allowed another Marine to drop a grenade in the aperture. When the tank moved a few yards and stopped, he again mounted it to make a second attempt to disable it and, by his daring initiative, succeeded in destroying the tank’s firing power. His marked courage, aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal McDermott and the United States Naval Service.