The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Willis H. Burton (MCSN: 320285), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Leader while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 June 1944. Expertly leading an assault team composed of several enlisted men, Platoon Sergeant Burton braved heavy small-arms fire from an enemy pillbox, and although casualties were being inflicted upon his unit, fearlessly advanced to the emplacement and completely destroyed the entrenched enemy. His outstanding leadership, courage in the face of danger and unflinching devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous assignment reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Burton and the United States Naval Service.