Richard E. Mcdurmin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard E. McDurmin (587456), 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, near Seoul, Korea, on 2 October 1950. Private First Class McDurmin serving as a Platoon Runner, voluntarily and courageously went through enemy small arms and machine gun fire to help remove wounded Marines of an adjacent platoon to covered positions. Upon the successful evacuation of all the wounded Marines he personally reorganized the remaining members of the adjacent platoon and fearlessly led them in the assault against well-entrenched enemy forces. His display of initiative and leadership materially aided in successfully accomplishing its assigned mission. Private First Class McDurmin’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.