The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Sereno S. Scranton, Jr. (MCSN: 0-41358), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 11 to 17 August 1952. Ordered to seize a strongly defended outpost, Captain Scranton skillfully maneuvered his company through the main line of resistance under cover of darkness and expertly directed his men in seizing the objective and in setting up a perimeter of defense. When the enemy attempted to retake the vital position early the next morning, he adroitly redeployed his platoons and directed friendly artillery and mortar fire on the enemy, successfully thwarting each counterattack. Although his company was depleted by severe casualties, he dauntlessly continued to defend the hill until reinforcements arrived. At the rear of the main line of resistance, he quickly reorganized his company, assigned replacements and readied them for further combat. Within forty-eight hours, he led his men back to the hill position and, vigorously engaging the enemy, succeeded in repelling a heavy counterattack, thereby reducing the strength of the enemy and temporarily neutralized any hostile attempt to regain the hill. By his indomitable fighting spirit, inspiring courage and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Scranton contributed materially to the success achieved by the battalion and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.