The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Stanley O. Woodyard (MCSN: 1195495), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Forward Observer of Headquarters Battery, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 October 1952. When the observation post bunker was destroyed by an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage, Sergeant Woodyard quickly carried the vital equipment through the exposed area to a living bunker. When that bunker was also destroyed by the devastating fire, he evacuated his men to another nearby shelter and immediately returned to the demolished position to salvage the damaged equipment. Although painfully wounded while leading his men to new positions in a trench line, he remained with his unit until the area became untenable and evacuated his men through an enemy barrage to defensive positions on the next hill. Subsequently ordered to an aid station for medical treatment, he assumed command of a stretcher party and fearlessly led them through hostile artillery and mortar fire to a transportation point, refusing medical aid until all the wounded had reached safety. By his marked fortitude, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative, Sergeant Woodyard served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.