The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joe N. Veach (MCSN: 668272), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company D, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 10 June 1951. When the platoon’s advance was halted by intense and accurate hostile fire while the unit was attacking up an extremely steep hill infested with fortified enemy emplacements, Corporal Veach, spotting a bunker which concealed a group of hostile troops and automatic weapons, charged across the fire-swept area to deliver effective fire into the position. Although painfully wounded during the action, he continued to fire his rifle with deadly accuracy until the emplacement was neutralized, thereby enabling the remainder of his unit to advance and overrun the enemy positions prior to his evacuation. By his valiant fighting spirit, indomitable fortitude and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Veach contributed materially to the success achieved by his company and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.