Marshall L. Garst

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Marshall L. Garst (1101836), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Tank Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, from 20 to 24 July 1953. Serving as a Tank Commander, Sergeant Garst displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. He was assigned the difficult and hazardous mission of firing supporting fire for two Infantry Companies that were attacking two vital outpost positions located far forward of the main line of resistance. His tank firing position was located on the forward slope of a hill and was subjected to extremely heavy hostile fire from close range. While delivering fire at point-blank range, the tank suffered a power failure due to run down batteries. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he gallantly climbed out of his vehicle ignoring the murderous enemy artillery fire in order to hand-crank the tank’s auxiliary generator which enabled him to charge the vehicle’s batteries, start the engine and maintain communication and mobility. On another occasion, he was moving his tank into firing position when one of several direct hits knocked one of the tank’s tracks partially off. Demonstrating remarkable resourcefulness under the deadly hostile fire and aware that the enemy had zeroed in on his vehicle, he courageously dismounted from his tank and guided the vehicle back on its track. During his exposure to the intense enemy fire, he was painfully wounded. As the tank was proceeding, it again became disabled and had to request aid. When two retriever tanks arrived, he refused to be evacuated and insisted on taking one of the vehicles into the firing position where he was able to deliver a large volume of devastating fire upon the attacking enemy. Throughout the fierce action, he was instrumental in inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy that was entrenched on the outpost positions. Sergeant Garst’s gallant and courageous actions combined with his indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.