The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Harold Marvin Swihart (ASN: RA-15415935), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Swihart distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, on the night of 24 May 1953. On that night, a numerically superior enemy force began a probing maneuver in preparation for an attack on a strategic outpost forward of the main battle positions. Upon detection of the enemy, Sergeant Swihart, a squad leader of the security group, quickly moved among his men establishing a base of fire and directing their efforts to insure adequate support for a maneuvering element. As the aggressors continued their advance, Sergeant Swihart went forth to engage them, firing his weapon and hurling grenades to disorganize and retard their assault. As grenades landed amidst his men, Sergeant Swihart immediately threw them back at the enemy and, although completely exposed to the intense fire, he continued his aggressive action until the enemy was repulsed. In retreat, the hostile forces continued to throw grenades, one of which fell in the center of Sergeant Swihart’s squad. Realizing the imminent danger to his men, he sacrificed his life by hurling himself on the missile and absorbing the full impact of the explosion. The courage of Sergeant Swihart throughout this action not only was instrumental in repelling the enemy assault, but also saved the lives of many of his comrades. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.