The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Luther D. Morehead, Jr. (MCSN: 1263779), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 31 January 1953. Assigned the difficult mission of applying flanking fire on an enemy position well forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Morehead skillfully led his squad to the left flank of the assaulting force. Although painfully wounded during the initial stages of the ensuing action, he refused treatment and evacuation and continued to direct his unit. Repeatedly exposing himself to intense hostile mortar, artillery, small arms and automatic weapons fire, he moved among his men and directed devastating fire upon the enemy, reducing the amount and accuracy of the hostile fire to a minimum and remaining on the position until the last man in his squad had withdrawn. His outstanding courage, resolute determination and gallant devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Private First Class Morehead and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.