The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Earl J. Rayburn (MCSN: 651323), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 and 17 September 1951. When the company headquarters group was subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire while the rifle platoons were in the attack, Sergeant Rayburn bravely made his way from position to position, continually exposing himself to the hostile barrage to direct counterfire upon the attackers. Later that night as the rifle platoons withdrew into a company defense perimeter, he again exposed himself to the hostile fire to set up his guns and assist the platoon leaders in deploying theirs. Courageously moving forward with the attacking element the next morning when it neared its objective under constant enemy danger, Sergeant Rayburn unhesitatingly rushed from gun to gun, directing fire, eliminating stoppages and shouting words of encouragement to his men. Although seriously wounded by the hostile fire during the course of the battle, he steadfastly remained with one gun and continued to designate targets until ordered to be evacuated. By his outstanding fortitude, bold determination and gallant devotion to duty, Sergeant Rayburn served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.