The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Raymond Pete Battani (MCSN: 300226), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Leader of an Assault Platoon serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, 3 October 1944. Halted at the crest of a sharp coral ridge by heavy and accurate small arms fire from enemy troops entrenched in a higher position, Gunnery Sergeant Battani promptly deployed his men along the crest and in covered positions on the forward slope in a bold counter movement and opened fire. By his well-timed and decisive action, he made possible the continued passage of friendly troops on the narrow trail to the rear, retained the initiative and enabled succeeding platoons to extend the line across the entire ridge. While exposing himself to intense Japanese fire in order to locate a hostile machine gun, Gunnery Sergeant Battani was mortally wounded. His daring and courageous leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout this perilous engagement were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.