The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Loy L. Gulley (MCSN: 454968), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Scout serving with the Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian Islands in the Marianas, from 15 June to 2 August 1944. While returning to the regimental interpreter on Tinian with an answer to the message he had delivered to a company command post, Private First Class Gulley was separated from another scout in extremely dense undergrowth. Fearlessly proceeding alone to a point within 35 yards of his goal, he encountered eleven Japanese soldiers who attacked him with sabers, rifles and hand grenades. Although seriously wounded and greatly outnumbered, Private First Class Gulley successfully fought his way through the enemy, reached and warned the interpreter and other scouts and delivered his message. By his heroic action and alert initiative, the group of hostile soldiers was located and destroyed and the lives of numerous Marine personnel saved. His cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty throughout were responsible for the success of his vital mission and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.