The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Francis W. Tief (MCSN: 0-49935), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of the Anti-tank Company, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 October 1950. While directing the fire of his two leading tanks to cover the withdrawal of a company which was pinned down by a hostile barrage, Second Lieutenant Tief braved heavy enemy small-arms fire to dismount from his tank and go to the aid of some wounded Marines who could not be rescued by the infantry. Completing four separate trips, he carried the casualties one-by-one to the safety of the tank, thereby undoubtedly saving their lives. By his courageous initiative, skilled leadership and gallant devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, he contributed materially to the success of the regiment in completing its assigned mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.