The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Kyle Harrell, Jr. (MCSN: 290989), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Wireman of a Mortar Platoon of the Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 30 June 1944. Accompanying a forward observer, Private First Class Harrell skillfully strung wire up a steep ridge and down the reverse slope to an observation post located behind the enemy’s front lines. Alert and determined, he manned the telephone for many hours, enabling the observer to direct destructive fire on an ammunition dump, emplacements and troop concentration. Subsequently, when the enemy close in to within a few yards, Private First Class Harrell withdrew to his own lines while our mortar fire inflicted heavy damage on the baffled enemy approaching the deserted observation post. His gallant devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.