The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Gilbert F. Forsyth, Jr. (MCSN: 325638), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a radio Operator of a Forward Observation Team of Battery F, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 30 September 1944. Although suffering from numerous painful wounds inflicted by an exploding enemy hand grenade, Corporal Forsyth courageously refused to leave his post for medical treatment realizing that the forward observer would thereby be severely handicapped in the performance of his duties. Subsequently learning that he could not be replaced by an experienced operator on the battalion liaison team, he steadfastly remained with the group and continued to perform his duties with expert technical ability until the team was relieved as a unit. By his courage, initiative and devotion to duty throughout, Corporal Forsyth upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.