The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Private First Class Ronald Porreca (MCSN: 594563), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1951. A machine gunner attached to a rifle platoon, Private Porreca was participating in an assault on a strongly defended enemy position. During the attack, the platoon was subjected to intense enemy fire, and Private Porreca was painfully wounded. Disregarding the intense pain, he quickly set up his machine gun in an exposed position, delivering a heavy barrage of fire on the enemy emplacement. His courageous action aided in relieving the pressure on his comrades, and enabled the platoon to continue in the advance and ultimately seize its objective. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Private Porreca on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.