The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gail L. Baxter (MCSN: 559636), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Scout Sergeant of a Shore Fire Control Team of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 27 September 1944. When his team encountered severe enemy opposition while returning to the command post after having completed a mission and the Naval gunfire spotter was killed, Private First Class Baxter made his way to the nearest friendly troops and led an assault squad to the scene of the encounter. By his leadership, he contributed materially to the destruction of this pocket of resistance which consisted of an enemy machine gun and protecting riflemen. His initiative, courage under fire and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.