The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George H. Gordon (MCSN: 882271), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Guam, Mariana Islands, 26 July 1944. After his automatic rifle was struck by hostile bullets and rendered useless when his platoon encountered heavy enemy opposition consisting of a well-entrenched machine gun surrounded by man supporting riflemen, Private First Class Gordon continued his advance through the undergrowth in the face of heavy hostile fire for a distance of about fifty yards until he reached a position close to the enemy machine gun. Throwing two grenades, he rendered the gun useless and killed the four men of the gun crew. By his courageous actions, Private First Class Gordon made it possible for his platoon to flank and destroy another enemy position and carry out its assigned mission of relieving a Battalion Command Post which was undergoing an attack by hostile troops. His outstanding coolness, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.