The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Roy J. Batterton, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6629), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 9 to 13 August 1952. Assigned the mission of assaulting and capturing a hill defended by well-entrenched and numerically superior hostile forces, Lieutenant Colonel Batterton continually placed himself with the most forward elements of his battalion in the face of fierce enemy mortar, artillery and small arms fire to direct the attack more effectively. Throughout the long, grueling hours of battle which continued for days and nights without respite, he moved among his units, attending to the details of organization, the deployment of troops and the evacuation of wounded personnel, and ultimately maneuvered his men to positions where they inflicted devastating losses upon the defending hostile force and drove them from their positions. By his inspiring leadership, determination and selfless devotion to the welfare of his officers and men, Lieutenant Colonel Batterton was greatly instrumental in inflicting devastating losses upon the enemy and in the successful accomplishment of the mission, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
4th Marines (Reinforced), 1st Provisional Marine BrigadeDivision:
III Amphibious CorpsAction Date:
July 21, 1944
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.