The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Daniel Torrey Buckingham (MCSN: 396726), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Scout and Observer with Headquarters and Service Company, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, from 1 April to 18 June 1945. Taken under a slashing fusillade of Japanese rifle and artillery fire while stationed in the Regimental Observation Post on Hill 69, near the town of Mezado, Private First Class Buckingham, accompanied by two other Marines, located the position of three hostile snipers and, skillfully directing accurate rifle fire on the position, destroyed the enemy. Undaunted as the Japanese concentrated their merciless fire from concealed emplacements, he joined a fire-team and boldly defied the hidden enemy, proceeding shortly thereafter in search of still another Japanese sniper who was pouring a deadly stream of bullets into the Observation Post. Suddenly his fire-team leader was struck and seriously wounded. Instantly exposing himself to the merciless rifle volleys, Private First Class Buckingham made a determined effort to evacuate his comrade despite the unabating fury of hostile fire. Mortally wounded as he persevered in his heroic attempt, he staunchly refused all assistance until his suffering fellow Marine had been evacuated. Stouthearted and loyal in the face of fanatic opposition, Private First Class Buckingham, by his cool courage, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, rendered valiant service and his conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.