The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Hugh Johnson Guffey (ASN: 0-1012377), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, during the period 25 June – 7 July 1944. Upon the death of the commander of a platoon of tanks, Lieutenant Guffey, who had been assigned as liaison officer, and with no previous experience as a tank platoon leader, assumed command. He distinguished himself frequently and during the enemy counterattack at Tanapang Harbor, his platoon materially assisted in preventing an enemy breath-through, although heavy damage was inflicted upon his platoon. One of his tanks became disabled inside the enemy lines, whereupon Lieutenant Guffey withdrew, ordered his crew to dismount, and personally drove the tank forward into the enemy lines to successfully evacuate the two remaining men in the disabled tank.