Fred L. File

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Fred L. File (1138535), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a member of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, while serving with the FIRST Korean Marine Corps Regiment, in Korea, on 8 July 1951. Private First Class File displayed outstanding qualities of skill and courage in the performance of his duties as chief of an artillery forward observer team. When his unit, which was advancing against a heavily fortified enemy position, was hit by a savage counter-attack, it was forced to withdraw. As he moved to the rear with his team, he noticed that the field telephone used to contact the supporting artillery had been left behind. Completely ignoring the savage enemy fire, he ran forward to within 100 yards of the advancing enemy, retrieved the instrument, and returned unscathed to the new position. Through his courageous efforts, communication with the artillery was re-established, resulting in such a heavy volume of fire against the enemy that their advance was halted and a counter-attack mounted that completely routed them. Private First Class File’s bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.