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 Graham F. Curtis (ASN: 20213365), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, during the period 3 July to 7 July 1944. On the morning of 7 July, in the vicinity of Makunsha, during a fierce attack by the Japanese in the early morning hours, the infantry units attacked were forced to the rear. As the infantry fell back, Private Curtis attempted and succeeded in establishing a skirmish line approximately one hundred yards to the rear, near a railroad cut. In order to accomplish this, Private Curtis, armed with a pistol only, exposed himself to enemy fire and drew attention, enemy as well as friendly, by waving and shouting. During the action that followed he sustained two wounds. Through his efforts the enemy attack was delayed.