The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Staff Sergeant Stanley Burton McPherson (MCSN: 539332), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company A, First Engineer Battalion, First Provisional Marine Brigade, from 3 September to 5 September 1950, in Korea. Before nightfall on 3 September 1950, when an infantry company was occupying a salient position, Sergeant McPherson led his demolition squad forward of the company’s position and set up an elaborate system of anti-personnel mines, trip flares and demolition traps on all approaches. In full view of the enemy who was occupying high ground, Sergeant McPherson braved continuous small arms and occasional mortar fire for a period of one and one-half hours. Completely disregarding his own safety he remained thus exposed until his squad had established a formidable chain of obstacles around the company position. After darkness on the night of 4 September when the company was again occupying a salient position, Sergeant McPherson led his men forward of the company lines and once more set out obstacles on all approaches. Heedless of enemy small arms in the darkness he remained well forward of friendly lines until 0200 the next morning. At dawn on 5 September 1950 in full view of the enemy he led his squad forward of the company’s position and removed the obstacles so that the attack could be continued. Even though exposed to hostile fire and twice trapped by strafing of friendly airplanes, Sergeant McPherson coolly directed his men until his mission was accomplished. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant McPherson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.