The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Weldon M. Longbotham (MCSN: 0-16202), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Machine Gun Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 16 to 18 September 1944. Voluntarily taking charge of a tank and an assault demolition squad, First Lieutenant Longbotham conducted an attack against a series of enemy antitank guns and machine guns entrenched in a coral ridge and, although the advance of the tank drew devastating fire from hostile automatic weapons, courageously rode behind the tank turret to direct accurate fire which demolished the enemy pillboxes. By his brilliant tactics, First Lieutenant Longbotham permitted the further advance of his company and held casualties from the intense enemy fire to a minimum. An aggressive and inspiring leader throughout, he served with distinction until severely wounded on 18 September. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.