The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Austin S. Parker (MCSN: 0-49026), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a Rifle Company of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces south of Koto-ri, Korea, on 8 December 1950. Severely handicapped by driving snow and faulty communications during an attack against a well-entrenched enemy, commanding high ground with superior fire power, First Lieutenant Parker fearlessly risked his life to move across the contested ground to an adjacent unit of his battalion and present a plan for a joint attack against the emplacements to avoid a further and costly frontal assault. Seriously wounded while en route to a point of vantage to locate the positions, he courageously remained to complete his plans and, upon his return, skillfully directed the execution of the joint attack which carried both units to the objective. By his brilliant and inspiring leadership, aggressive determination and daring tactics in the face of heavy odds, First Lieutenant Parker contributed materially to the accomplishment of his battalion’s mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.