The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Roy J. Batterton, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6629), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, THIRD Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, on 21 July 1944. When information was received during the night that enemy tanks followed by infantry were moving up to attack, Major Batterton personally directed a platoon of tanks to a strategic position where they could be employed against the hostile mechanized forces. By skillfully effecting this maneuver, he was instrumental in destroying the enemy forces and in preventing a serious break-through to the beachhead. Although wounded during the latter part of the action, Major Batterton remained with his men at his own request until the issue was decided. His tactical ability, leadership and courageous devotion to duty in the face of enemy attack reflect great credit on Major Batterton and the United States Naval Service.