The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Henry Hess Shenk (MCSN: 404030), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Motor Dispatcher of Company D, First Motor Transport Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 December 1950. Volunteering to man a light machine gun when his motor convoy was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force during the advance from Hagaru-ri to Hungnam, Staff Sergeant Shenk fearlessly exposed himself to the intense barrage to place his machine gun on top of a truck and deliver effective return fire on the attackers. When ordered to take his gun out of action so he could seek the limited available cover on the ground, he choose to remain at his station and, continuing to man his gun with deadly accuracy, accounted for many enemy dead and wounded while providing covering fire for other Marines as they moved their guns to more advantageous firing positions. By his daring initiative, heroic actions and grave concern for others at great risk to his own life, Staff Sergeant Shenk served as an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the successful repulse of the enemy attack. His indomitable courage throughout the intensive engagement reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.