Harold Z. Gray

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Harold Z. Gray (0-38165), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a carrier-based Marine attack squadron in Korea. On 24 February 1953, Captain Gray participated in the rescue of a downed Marine aviator who was surrounded by enemy troops deep in hostile territory. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Gray conducted numerous daring minimum altitude strafing assaults, intentionally drawing the heavy hostile fire away from the downed pilot. Although his own aircraft was severely damaged by enemy fire, he continued to skillfully maneuver his aircraft at low level through the intense and accurate barrages of anti-aircraft fire, and succeeded, on several occasions, in completely suppressing all ground fire directed at the downed aviator. After expending his remaining ordnance, Captain Gray, ignoring the battle damage to his aircraft, conducted repeated dummy strafing runs at the enemy positions despite the increasingly accurate fire that was bursting all around his aircraft. Dangerously low on fuel, he remained in the area until relieved by another flight of Marine attack aircraft. His heroic actions in subjecting himself repeatedly to hostile fire and his exemplary initiative were responsible for the success of a mission that saved the life of a fellow Marine and inflicted heavy enemy casualties. Captain Gray’s courageous conduct, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.