The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Harries C. Peterson (MCSN: 0-48369), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 11 September 1951. During an attack against a series of heavily fortified and strongly defended enemy hill positions, First Lieutenant Peterson led his platoon forward through a hail of automatic weapons, mortar and small arms hostile fire to successfully seize the first objective and drive the enemy from the position. Quickly reorganizing his unit, he continued the assault until devastating hostile fire forced him to pause in the attack and again reorganize his squads. Fearlessly exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire, he crossed and re-crossed open areas to organize the evacuation of wounded men and, when the radio communications failed, stood erect in full view of the hostile troops delivering messages by voice and hand signals to bring supporting arms fire down upon the enemy. By his outstanding courage, skill and unswerving devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Peterson served to inspire all who observed him and aided materially in the success of the attack, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.