The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Floyd Emmerson Compton (MCSN: 626065), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 April 1951. Fully aware that it would be necessary to fly through bad weather at low altitude over two hundred miles of rugged terrain in order to reach the objective area, Master Sergeant Compton unhesitatingly volunteered to execute a hazardous strike flight against the enemy in support of friendly ground forces. Despite extremely low visibility and heavy hostile anti-aircraft fire, he skillfully pressed through to the objective to attack a ridge well-entrenched with enemy troops who seriously threatened the advance of our ground forces. While carrying out his attack, he received a direct hit from a large anti-aircraft projectile which caused him to crash to his death. By his superb courage, indomitable fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Master Sergeant Compton upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.