The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Philip J. Turnbull (MCSN: 254150), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a squad leader in the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island on January 6, 1944. Leading his quad over swampy unfamiliar terrain through dense jungle undergrowth, Corporal Turnbull courageously proceeded against an enemy fortified road block consisting of numerous pill boxes flanked on one side by the sea and on the other by a deep swamp. As one of our tanks bogged down in the jungle he skillfully continued fire with his squad protecting the vehicle against anti-tank mines thrown by the enemy and silencing hostile field pieces with grenades and rifle fire. Later he helped to carry the wounded to safety continuing his gallant efforts until he, himself, was struck down by the Japanese and evacuated from the battle area. Corporal Trunbull’s heroic devotion to duty contributed to the success of the attack and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.