The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Raymond E. Gagnon (MCSN: 362701), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan Point Beachhead, Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. Voluntarily advancing one hundred yards beyond his own lines, Corporal Gagnon repeatedly exposed himself in an effort to draw enemy machine-gun and rifle fire and locate Japanese positions holding up an attack by his platoon. In addition he assisted in directing the fire of his platoon, personally killing six Japanese with his rifle. By his courage, initiative and devotion to duty, he enabled his platoon to seize the objective with heavy losses to the enemy, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.