The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Ernest O. Northcutt, Jr. (MCSN: 0-54517), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 August 1952. When a reinforced squad was ambushed by the enemy approximately 1,000 yards forward of the main line of resistance, Second Lieutenant Northcutt fearlessly led his men through devastating hostile mortar and artillery fire to within 150 yards of a trench line that sheltered the besieged unit, quickly deployed his men and skillfully directed their fire. With one of his gunners seriously wounded as the enemy launched a heavy barrage of mortar and artillery fire on the position, Second Lieutenant Northcutt unhesitatingly rushed to the assistance of the stricken man in an attempt to retrieve him. Although painfully wounded by flying shrapnel and small arms fire, he continued directing his men and calling in supporting fire. With the majority of his platoon sustaining casualties, he maintained firm control of his men, reorganized them into a perimeter of defense and directed the care of the wounded, refusing medical aid for himself until the arrival of a relief squad. By his courageous leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Northcutt served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.