The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Rufus Arnold Stowers (MCSN: 238782), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Armorer in Charge of four Light Machine Guns of Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 and 3 November 1950. With his machine guns employed in defense of the battalion command post when the enemy launched a strong attack on the defense lines, and the 4.2″ mortar company on his flank was forced to fall back, Master Sergeant Stowers, observing that a new line of defense had to be established, fearlessly exposed himself to the blistering barrage to re-deploy his men and weapons. When one of the machine guns jammed, he boldly moved forward and repaired it under direct enemy fire and, although painfully wounded, refused evacuation and continued to direct and encourage his men until he was ordered to the aid station. While undergoing treatment, he worked tirelessly and with exceptional skill in total darkness and succeeded in repairing another machine gun that was brought to him when it became inoperable. By his daring and aggressive leadership, fortitude and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds, Master Sergeant Stowers contributed materially to the successful defense of the battalion command post and served as an inspiration to all who observed him. His heroic efforts throughout reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.