The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Marold K. Turpin (MCSN: 831356), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 19 September 1944. During an attack against well-fortified hostile emplacements on southern Peleliu, Private First Class Turpin went forward of the lines with an automatic weapon to provide protection for a demolition squad which was attempting to destroy Japanese pill boxes. Constantly exposing himself to hostile fire, he returned effective counter fire annihilating approximately thirty-five of the enemy and thereby greatly aided the advance of friendly troops. His initiative, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty reflect great credit on Private First Class Turpin and the United Stated Naval Service.