The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Harold W. Shanks (MCSN: 1179771), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Reconnaissance Patrol attached to Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 – 17 July 1953. Operating three thousand yards forward of the main line of resistance in strongly defended hostile territory when his patrol was ambushed at midnight by a numerically superior enemy force and sustained over fifty percent casualties, Corporal Shanks quickly reorganized his unit to resist enemy attempts to overrun the position, and skillfully directed small arms fire and mortar concentrations on the attackers. Following this action, he proceeded to move about the hill, continuously exposing himself to hostile fire in order to lend words of encouragement to his men and to aid the wounded. Mortally wounded, himself, while removing casualties to safety, Corporal Shanks, by his outstanding leadership, courage and determined efforts in behalf of his men, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.