The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Raymond L. Wilder (MCSN: 1347955), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 – 25 July 1953. With his bunker destroyed by murderous enemy mortar and artillery fire during a vicious hostile attack on the company’s sector of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Wilder quickly repaired his damaged machine gun and placed it on the parapet of the exposed trench line, continuing to deliver deadly fire on the onrushing hordes of hostile troops. When an enemy grenade destroyed his machine gun, he unhesitatingly picked up a nearby rifle and brought devastating fire to bear on the enemy until he was painfully wounded. Although not capable of firing a weapon because of his severe wounds, he refused evacuation and courageously moved throughout the trench line to assist in the evacuation of the more seriously wounded. By his aggressive fighting spirit, marked fortitude and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Wilder served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.