The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Hillman A. O’Quinn (MCSN: 285487), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 24 Jul 1944. Although painfully wounded by enemy mortar fire, Sergeant O’Quinn organized and led his squad, shouting words of encouragement to his men during an attack which neutralized a well-fortified hostile position. Continuing to carry on as squad leader, he sustained additional wounds which necessitated his evacuation. His courageous fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.