The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Lowell L. Burton (MCSN: 403359), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Squad Leader of a Rifle Platoon serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 22 and 23 June 1944. Defending his company’s position on Mt. Tipo Pale, Corporal Burton fought with determined aggressiveness during repeated Japanese night counterattacks, holding his assigned sector of the line indomitably despite continuous, heavy barrages of hostile mortar and machine-gun fire. Blown from his foxhole when the enemy infiltrated his position under cover of darkness and fired grenades from close range, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated and, constantly moving through the squad’s position, reorganized the unit as it became depleted, eventually obtaining reinforcements from the command post. By his forceful leadership, decisive judgment and unceasing effort, Corporal Burton contributed essentially to the repulse of the enemy’s abortive countermeasures, and his great personal valor throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.