The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Byron L. Magness (MCSN: 0-50330), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 November 1950. With his company ordered to reinforce a friendly infantry company, Second Lieutenant Magness boldly led his platoon into position under heavy enemy fire and, when directed to attack, skillfully deployed his platoon on the enemy’s right flank, despite darkness and unfamiliar terrain, and personally spearheaded an assault against the heavily fortified positions on high ground. Immediately placing his men in defensive positions when the enemy opened fire at close range with automatic weapons and small arms after the objective had been seized, he coordinated their effective fire and effected a reorganization, placing two machine guns where they could deliver effective enfilade fire on routes of attack employed by the aggressors. Under repeated counterattacks by a numerically superior hostile force, Second Lieutenant Magness fearlessly moved among his positions throughout the day, supervising the fire of his units and shouting orders and words of encouragement to his men. On two separate occasions, he advanced alone approximately twenty-five yards in front of his lines and, in direct view of the attacking force, evacuated wounded Marines from the adjacent company to the reverse slope. By his daring initiative, determined and inspiring leadership and grave concern for others at great risk to his own life, Second Lieutenant Magness contributed to the saving of many lives and to the success achieved by his company. His heroic actions and staunch devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.