The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Lester Stewart (MCSN: 0-5644), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 December 1950. With his regiment attacking from Yudam-ni toward Hagaru-ri against strong elements of three hostile division occupying commanding terrain and employing mortars and automatic weapons, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart acted immediately when the accompanying vehicle train was halted under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire emanating from well dug-in positions on either side of the road. Although the column suffered heavy casualties, he unhesitatingly moved forward against the blistering fire and, walking upright back and forth along the train, expertly directed men to cover and supervised the removal of wounded to comparative safety. Deploying his troops forward, he boldly pointed out targets and directed a brilliantly executed counterattack to neutralize the opposing automatic weapons, silence the supporting mortars, and enable his units to regain fire superiority to cover the continued advance. By his superb leadership, daring combat tactics and extraordinary courage in the face of tremendous odds, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart was in large measure responsible for the successful culmination of his regiment’s attack. His heroic efforts throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.