The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gordon N. Souvey (MCSN: 511114), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of an Assault Company attached to the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Islands, on 26 September 1944. When his platoon was first to reach the top of the northernmost hill on Peleliu Island, during an attack by his company, Private First Class Souvey saw the enemy advancing up the reverse slope and, under heavy, Japanese rifle fire, was leading his fire team around the enemy’s flank to attack them when he discovered a hostile automatic weapon firing on friendly troops. His fire team being unable to neutralize the gun from their masked positions, Private First Class Souvey voluntarily advanced alone and succeeded in killing two of the crew before he was killed. By his heroic action, he succeeded in holding up the enemy until reinforcements could be brought to complete the mission. His determined initiative and self-sacrificing conduct reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Souvey and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.