The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Bradford L. Morrell (MCSN: 653853), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Guide of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 22 March 1951. When the platoon’s advance was delayed by devastating automatic weapons and small arms fire from a cleverly concealed enemy bunker during the attack against a strongly defended hill position, Sergeant Morrell fearlessly charged forward over the fire-swept ground, killed eight enemy riflemen protecting the automatic weapon and then wiped out the machine gun crew with hand grenades and accurate rifle fire. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and inspiring devotion to duty, Sergeant Morrell contributed in large measure to the success of the platoon in rapidly advancing to its objective and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
SergeantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
June 3, 1951
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 Sergeant Bradford L. Morrell (MCSN: 653853), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 June 1951. When intense enemy fire delayed elements of his platoon after he led his unit to within 50 yards of heavily fortified enemy emplacements atop a high ridge mass, Sergeant Morrell fearlessly moved across a fire-swept area and assumed command of a squad depleted by casualties. Reorganizing the remainder of the men, he led a bayonet charge against the enemy’s flank in the face of intense hostile fire. Reaching the objective ahead of the squad, he engaged the enemy with grenades, rifle and bayonet and succeeded in killing four of the enemy and wounding two others. By eliminating the key bunker, he enabled the platoon to advance and secure the objective. His aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and steadfast devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success achieved by the company and reflect great credit upon Sergeant Morrell and the United States Naval Service.