The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Anthony L. Byrnes (MCSN: 440101), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner in an Assault Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 16 September 1944. Although wounded by shrapnel when our lines were assaulted by enemy forces three times during a forty-eight hour period, Private Byrnes steadfastly maintained his machine-gun post and, accurately directing his fire, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Refusing to be evacuated on the following morning, he swam fifty yards into the ocean under intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire to rescue a wounded comrade. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private Byrnes and the united States Naval Service.