The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Will L. Hayden (MCSN: 398920), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company K, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 17 June 1944. Effectively manning his Browning Automatic Rifle during an enemy counter attack, Private First Class Hayden remained at his post and delivered highly effective fire despite a wound inflicted by Japanese fire. Continuing to render valuable service, he concentrated his fire on an advancing tank and, though he sustained two more wounds continued to draw its fire until it could be attacked by our forces and put out of action. By his courage, initiative and zealous devotion to duty throughout, he assisted materially in repelling the hostile counter attack and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.