The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Byrd Mitchell (MCSN: 247845), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Sergeant serving with a company of the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces near Mount Schleuther, New Britain, on March 7, 1944. Encountering the enemy in an elevated position while leading his platoon up a steep hill in a torrential rain, Sergeant Mitchell immediately launched a daring assault. Accompanied by another Marine, he boldly charged a hostile automatic weapon during the bitter engagement and, after destroying the crew, turned the captured weapon upon the remaining enemy, forcing them to retreat. Despite painful wounds received during the action, he steadfastly refused to leave the fight until ordered to do so by his commanding officer. By his daring aggressiveness, inspiring leadership and valiant fighting spirit in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Mitchell contributed materially to the success of our forces in that area. His unswerving devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.