The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Wesley C. Noren (MCSN: 0-15907), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 February 1951. Assigned the mission of assaulting a difficult hill position which was strongly defended by a determined enemy force occupying numerous well-constructed and mutually supporting log bunkers, Captain Noren skillfully led his company up the approaches to the position. Observing that devastating automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire was threatening the advance, and was inflicting heavy casualties among his men, he fearlessly rushed forward through enemy-held emplacements to reach the highest point of the hill. Although exposed to the full effect of the hostile fire, he quickly reorganized the leading elements of the company and launched an assault over the crest of the hill into the rear of the main hostile entrenchments. Under his inspiring and courageous leadership at close quarters with the enemy, his company charged on the run to engage in hand-to-hand combat and completely destroyed the hostile force, killing over 100 of the enemy. By his aggressive fighting spirit, resourceful initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Noren contributed immeasurably to the tactical success achieved by the battalion and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.