The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Hugh B. Herring (MCSN: 386480), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 16 June 1944. When his machine gun was put out of action during a Japanese counter attack, Private First Class Herring assisted in rendering first aid to his wounded comrades. Realizing the precarious position of the wounded men, he voluntarily went for assistance, bringing two tanks to the scene and directing their fire against the hostile forces, assisted materially in halting the enemy attack. His courage, initiative and zealous devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.