unrelenting fury of hostile enemy weapons fire and hand grenades he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while directing the operation of his small force. As the enemy attack progressed and the enemy fire increased in volume and accuracy and despite his mounting casualties, Gunnery Sergeant Howard continued to set an example of calmness and courage. Moving from position to position, he inspired his men with dynamic leadership and courageous fighting spirit until he was struck and painfully wounded by fragments from an enemy hand grenade. Unable to move his legs and realizing that the position was becoming untenable, he distributed his ammunition to the remaining members of his platoon and skillfully directed friendly aircraft and artillery strikes with uncanny accuracy upon the enemy. Dawn found the beleaguered force diminished by five killed and all but one wounded. When rescue helicopters proceeded to Gunnery Sergeant Howard's position, he directed them away from his badly mauled force and called additional air strikes and directed devastating small arms fire on the enemy thus making the landing zone secure as possible. His valiant leadership and courageous fighting spirit served to inspire the men of his platoon to heroic endeavor in the face of overwhelming odds, and reflected the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant Howard, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. /S/ LYNDON B. JOHNSON Silver Star citation Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jimmie Earl Howard (MCSN: 1130610), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the 4.2" Mortar Company, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving as a Forward Observer of a rifle company in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 12 to 15 August 1952. During the defense of an important hill position, Corporal Howard called in and directed effective fire for friendly mortar and artillery positions, materially strengthening the defense of the position. Although occupied with the duties of forward observer, he participated in deadly hand to hand combat with the enemy to maintain his forward observation post and, although subsequently relieved for rest, sided in evacuating the wounded and in carrying vitally needed supplies to his comrades. Later, although knocked unconscious by the concussion from an enemy mortar shell, he recovered sufficiently to continue to perform his duties and, after being felled again by another mortar shell