Minard P. Newton, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Minard P. Newton, Jr. (0-49755), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division, FMF, near Yudam-ni, Korea, on 27 November 1950. Second Lieutenant Newton, serving as a Platoon Commander, displayed outstanding professional skill, aggressiveness and perseverance when his company was subjected to an attack by an enemy force employing small arms, automatic weapons and mortars. Due to the numerical superiority of the enemy force, his platoon’s position was partly overrun during the fanatical enemy night attack. He, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, quickly reorganized his platoon and led them up a steep hill in the counterattack against the enemy. When the company was ordered to move to a new position, he volunteered to remain as the rear guard. By successfully holding his exposed position against two enemy attacks, he thereby enabled his company to move to the newly assigned position with a minimum of casualties. His timely actions and coolness under fire served as an inspiration for all who observed him and inspired the men of his command to greater efforts. Second Lieutenant Newton’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.