The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Lewis J. Michelony, Jr. (MCSN: 266202), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of the 4.2-in Mortar Company, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 September 1950. Despite constant exposure to hostile small arms, machine gun and automatic weapons fire, Master Sergeant Michelony led a combat patrol of three men for a distance of one thousand yards to clear a mortar position of enemy troops who were firing on elements of his company. During the ensuing action, the hostile elements of approximately platoon strength suffered twenty-four killed and the loss of three heavy machine guns, four automatic weapons and seventeen rifles, all of which were captured. Personally accounting for the crews of all three of the hostile machine guns, Master Sergeant Michelony directed the clearing of the whole area of enemy troops, thereby paving the way for the rapid employment of his mortar company in providing supporting fire for front line elements without suffering casualties. His courage, initiative and outstanding leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.