The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Harlan Dayton Harter (MCSN: 284570), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines in action against enemy Japanese forces on Corregidor, Philippine Islands on 29 April 1942. The first to volunteer his services when Japanese artillery concentrations were scoring hits on the 12 inch mortar positions atop Corregidor and were burying alive members of the gun crew, Corporal Harter risked his life in enemy shell fire and exploding ammunition and powder magazines to rescue trapped men and carry them from the burning magazines. His heroic initiative and inspiring courage and the most hazardous conditions reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Harter and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.