The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Arthur W. Poehlman (MCSN: 0-25541), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Artillery Observer in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 November 1950. Piloting a slow, unarmed observation plane on a reconnaissance mission south of Koto-ri, First Lieutenant Poehlman spotted eight enemy field emplacements that were placing devastating fire upon advancing friendly troops. Although he made several daring low-level passes through the intense hostile fire to direct a flight of friendly fighter aircraft, which had subsequently arrived over the target area, the attacking planes were unable to completely neutralize the emplacements because of the heavy smoke and haze over the area. Undeterred when his supply of gasoline became critically low, he remained over the target until the arrival of another flight of fighter aircraft and skillfully directed a second air strike. Again making repeated low-level passes over the enemy positions, he succeeded in dropping effective smoke grenades upon the target. His daring and skillful actions resulted in the destruction of two hostile field emplacements and forced the enemy to withdraw from the remaining guns, thereby enabling the friendly troops to advance rapidly to their objective. By his outstanding courage, marked skill and steadfast devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Poehlman upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.