The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Orin K. Byers (MCSN: 420478), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 22 June 1944. Voluntarily leaving the Battalion Command Post, Corporal Byers joined his Company which was pinned down by several enemy machine guns protected by riflemen. After organizing an assault squad of combat engineers and riflemen, he led them in an attack on the Japanese strong point, destroying it and enabling his company to continue the attack. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.