The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Maurice Anthony Padwa (MCSN: 1071406), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Division Camouflage attached to Headquarters Company, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 March 1953. When the area came under a devastating hostile artillery barrage while he was supervising the assembly of camouflage materials to screen a supply road leading to a front-line position, Staff Sergeant Padwa immediately ordered his men to the safety of a nearby bunker. Observing a wounded comrade lying on the road under direct observation of the enemy, he courageously led a Corpsman through the continuous hostile artillery fire to the side of the stricken Marine and assisted in administering first aid to the casualty. Mortally wounded while engaged in this heroic action, Staff Sergeant Padwa, by his aggressiveness, courageous initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of another, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.