The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Henry R. Basford (MCSN: 485856), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery H, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 7 July 1944. During an enemy counterattack, Private First Class Basford manned an outpost being attacked by enemy troops with hand grenades. Steadfast in the face of grave danger, he continued to hurl the grenades back at the enemy until he and his companions were all wounded and forced to withdraw. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.