The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant Walter Francis Murphy, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a rifle platoon leader with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in North Central Korea, on 10 June 1951. Second Lieutenant Murphy was leading an attack on a strongly fortified enemy-held hill, when his unit came under vicious mortar and automatic weapons fire, inflicting numerous casualties. Despite a wound sustained in this initial burst of withering fire, Lieutenant Murphy refusing evacuation, reorganized his platoon, and led it in a series of tenacious assaults against the enemy emplacements. Inspired by the unflinching courage of their valiant leader, his men charged forward through a hail of intense fire, over open, rugged terrain, determined to attain their objective. Though only Lieutenant Murphy and twelve of his resolute soldiers reached the enemy strongpoint, the stubborn foe was routed and a base established on the key terrain to provide covering fire for friendly units. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Second Lieutenant Murphy on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.