The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Karle Frederick Seydel (MCSN: 0-43007), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Machine Gun Platoon Leader in Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 and 7 December 1950. When his company attacked a well-entrenched, numerically superior hostile force on a high snow-covered hill, First Lieutenant Seydel repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to lead the assault, direct the fire of his machine guns and distribute ammunition. During the attack, when one of his gunners was wounded, he personally carried the machine gun forward and delivered accurate and effective fire on the enemy until the objective was seized. Although seriously wounded by an enemy hand grenade the following morning during a strong hostile counterattack, he refused to be evacuated and continued to move among his men, lending words of encouragement and directing their fire until mortally wounded by a burst of enemy submachine gun fire. By his outstanding leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty throughout, First Lieutenant Seydel inspired all members of his company and contributed immeasurably to the successful seizure and defense of his assigned objective, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.