The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Orval F. McMullen (MCSN: 238755), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces during the assault landing at Inchon, Korea, on 15 September 1950. Reaching the beach after a delay because of mechanical difficulties, Technical Sergeant McMullen found his platoon pinned down under intense fire from an enemy bunker located to their front and, quickly realizing that reorganization and continuation of the attack would be impossible until the hostile position had been destroyed, proceeded forward toward the bunker. Boldly exposing himself to the vicious enemy fire, he advanced on the emplacement, neutralizing it completely with well placed rifle and grenade fire and, immediately effecting the reorganization of his platoon, rapidly seized his assigned objective. By his daring initiative, inspiring leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Technical Sergeant McMullen upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.