Gerald A. Kraus

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gerald A. Kraus (669302), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, during the period 1 November 1950 to 1 December 1950. As a fire team leader of a rifle squad, Private First Class Kraus continually performed his duties in an outstanding and aggressive manner under conditions of extreme hardship. On 26 November 1950, when his platoon, in the assault against a numerically superior enemy force, was counterattacked fiercely from the front and left flank, Private first Class Kraus, with utter disregard for his personal safety, voluntarily and fearlessly charged forward in the face of intense enemy fire and well into the enemy lines to rescue a wounded Marine. In so doing, Private First Class Kraus, was painfully wounded in the face. In spite of the fact that he was temporarily blinded, he found his way back to his platoon, and brought the wounded Marine back to safety. His courage, coolness, and fortitude was a great inspiration to the officers and men of his entire company, and undoubtedly saved the wounded Marine’s life. Private First Class Kraus’ heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.