The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Rayburn E. Harlan (ASN: 38343995), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 6 July 1944. Private First Class Harlan’s unit was in action against enemy machine guns and riflemen which were holding up the advance of his company. The explosion of a sea mine caused a heavy machine gun to be left unmanned. Private First Class Harlan, together with another soldier ran forward and operated the gun, causing the enemy fire to subside. In this action he was severely wounded in both hands, but after having received first aid refused to be assisted to the rear because of the necessity for first aid men on the front line. He then made his way back alone to a rear area and was evacuated.