The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal David E. Hudson (MCSN: 335631), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines (Engineer), SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 17 June 1944. When his rifle company was held up by enemy machine gun fire from a hostile cave, Corporal Hudson unhesitatingly went forward with demolition charges to assist the flame thrower and although wounded by hostile fire, disposed of his charges effectively and withdrew under orders because of darkness. Volunteering to serve as a Guide for a combat patrol the next morning, he assisted materially in the destruction of other caves in the same area and throughout the remainder of the operation, rendered valuable aid in the destruction of several Japanese positions. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.