The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Byron W. Marshall (MCSN: 318983), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, January 4, 1944. While forcing a river crossing with his company, Corporal Marshall led his machine-gun squad to an exposed flank of the unit and courageously set up his gun in the face of devastating fire from well-entrenched enemy positions concealed in the dense undergrowth. As a result of his gallant action the flank was secured and that portion of the bridgehead was held. Corporal Marshall’s skillful leadership, valiant fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.