Scotia D. Oliver

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Scotia D. Oliver (530387), Sergeant, 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 (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 21 September 1950. Sergeant Oliver was serving as a platoon guide when his platoon was attacking strongly entrenched enemy positions that were supported by mortars, machine guns, and small arms. During the attack the fire from enemy positions increased in intensity and forced the platoon to take cover and call for friendly artillery and mortar fire. Observing numerous Marine casualties lying in exposed, enemy fire swept areas, he fearlessly and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, ran through the enemy fire to aid and evacuate the casualties. Although during this action he was painfully wounded, he courageously continued on his voluntary mission, refusing medical treatment or evacuation. Observing that his platoon sergeant became a casualty, he immediately assumed those duties, reorganized the platoon and boldly moved among the members to point out targets, direct their effective fire and move them in position for the continuation of the attack when the friendly supporting fires lifted. Only after the enemy positions were neutralized and his platoon had successfully seized the objective did he submit to medical treatment and evacuation. Sergeant Oliver’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.