The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Otis C. Morris (MCSN: 814962), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a Platoon of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 29 June 1944. Severely wounded while covering with an automatic rifle the withdrawal of his platoon, Private First Class Morris succeeded in annihilating ten of a hostile attack group and forced the rest to retire, thereby making it possible for his platoon to reorganize and further defend the position. His valiant initiative, superb courage and selfless concern for the safety of his comrades reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Morris and the United States Naval Service.