The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Von E. Stockler (MCSN: 1072969), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Service Battery, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yudam-ni, Korea, on 3 December 1950. Voluntarily manning a machine gun after two gunners had been wounded, Sergeant Stockler skillfully directed effective fire against an enemy roadblock and succeeded in silencing one hostile mortar weapon and inflicting numerous casualties. When his defending group was pinned down by intense fire from enemy reinforcements during at attempt to withdraw, he fearlessly moved into the open and, while advancing toward the enemy, fired his weapon from a carrying position. By his bold initiative and personal courage in the face of great risk, he delivered accurate fire which permitted the remainder of his group to withdraw safely. His indomitable fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Sergeant Stockler and the United States Naval Service.