The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Ray M. Bratton (MCSN: 953090), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 31 May 1945. Seriously wounded by intense hostile fire which pinned down his platoon during a patrol, Private Bratton realized that his patrol could not move and engaged the enemy with his weapon and smoke grenades, thereby enabling the platoon to withdraw to a sheltered position. Despite his wounds, he remained at his post until the last of the patrol had withdrawn. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.