The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Philip Palmer Bayer (MCSN: 0-12913), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Islands, on 18 September 1944. When a rifle platoon was pinned down by heavy machine gun and rifle fire from enemy pillboxes and the two 75-mm. half-tracks supporting the platoon were virtually out of action because of hostile fire concentrated upon them, First Lieutenant Bayer assumed command and daringly attempted an advance by use of one of the 75-mm. guns. Although mortally wounded when he daringly climbed onto a half-track to direct the fire of the crew, he had contributed materially to the neutralization of a Japanese pillbox and the subsequent advance of his platoon. His self-sacrificing spirit and outstanding skill in combat reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Bayer and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.