The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Woodrow F. Dillon (MCSN: 342822), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Member of an Engineer Demolition Squad serving with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island in the Palau Group, on 17 September 1944. Aggressive and determined throughout a period of bitter fighting, Private First Class Dillon repeatedly risked his life to advance against hostile pillboxes and gun batteries in the face of extremely heavy Japanese gunfire. Forced to cross the enemy’s line of fire while attempting to neutralize a concrete gun emplacement still manned by Japanese troops on the afternoon of 17 September, he rushed forward to the fortification and threw a demolition charge into an embrasure. When the deadly missile was thrown back before detonating, he promptly returned it but was himself mortally wounded before the resultant explosion destroyed the hostile position. By his resolute initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and personal valor, Private First Class Dillon contributed materially to the success of our forces in this strategic operation, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.