The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph R. Medeiros (MCSN: 668526), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rocket Section Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 30 November 1950. Voluntarily exposing himself to intense hostile machine gun, small arms and mortar fire to move 50 yards across an open field during a fierce enemy counterattack, Corporal Medeiros succeeded in reaching a position from which he could deliver accurate rocket fire on two enemy machine guns which were subjecting his company to a vicious barrage. After destroying one of the hostile guns, he steadfastly remained exposed to the intense fire, moving 100 yards across the open area to a point from which he was able to destroy the second machine gun. By his exceptional courage, outstanding skill and staunch devotion to duty in the face of heavy hostile opposition, Corporal Medeiros contributed materially to the success of his company in repulsing the enemy attack, and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.