The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joe S. Orozco (MCSN: 1171060), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Section Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 July 1953. Although seriously wounded and evacuated to the forward aid station when the company’s sector of the main line of resistance was subjected to devastating enemy mortar and artillery barrages, Sergeant Orozco voluntarily returned to his position after receiving medical treatment and courageously moved from one position to another, checking the machine guns and shouting words of encouragement to his men. Despite the murderous hostile barrages, he delivered effective machine gun fire to protect a critical terrain feature of the company’s sector and remained at his post throughout a four-hour period until the seriousness of his wounds forced him to be evacuated. By his indomitable fighting spirit, marked fortitude and unwavering devotion to duty, Sergeant Orozco served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.