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 Technical Sergeant Max Stein (MCSN: 286660), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hagaru-ri, Korea, on 6 and 7 December 1950. With his company assigned to defend the right half of the battalion’s defense sector when a hostile force of estimated regimental strength attacked his area during the night, and subsequently effected a gradual penetration of the company’s left flank, Technical Sergeant Stein, despite serious wounds sustained in the back and shoulders from hostile mortar fragments during the initial stages of the action, staunchly refused to be evacuated and persisted in the fight. Voluntarily advancing forward of his own lines, he assumed an exposed position to observe the strength and disposition of the attackers and, upon returning to his own lines, moved among his men, shouting words of encouragement and directing and controlling their accurate and effective fire. Again wounded by enemy fire and suffering intense pain, Technical Sergeant Stein continued to lead his units in the bitter sub-zero temperatures, inspiring them to heroic efforts in repelling the onslaught and contributing materially to the success achieved by his company. His daring leadership, fortitude and extraordinary courage throughout the furious action reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.