The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Edward C. Morris (MCSN: 0-50033), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 28 to 30 November 1950. Leading his platoon in an attack along a ridge to seize and destroy an enemy pillbox on commanding ground and defended by a force of approximately company strength, Second Lieutenant Morris boldly pressed the attack and, when the intensity of hostile small arms and machine gun fire increased, ordered his men to take cover. Contacting his company commander and receiving orders to withdraw to more favorable positions during an intended air strike, he skillfully effected the withdrawal of his platoon and assumed hasty defense positions for the night. Again compelled to direct his men to cover when the enemy counterattacked in force the following morning, he repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy barrage to move among his men, expertly directing and controlling their fire, pointing out targets of opportunity and shouting orders and words of encouragement until the enemy force was almost annihilated. Subsequently evacuated to the battalion aid station with painfully frostbitten feet, he voluntarily returned to his platoon and continued leading and directing his men until his company had successfully completed its movement from Yudam-ni to Majon-dong. His inspiring and aggressive leadership, valiant fighting spirit and heroic efforts maintained throughout the furious engagement reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Morris and the United States Naval Service.