The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Irvin W. Paxton (MCSN: 911336), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a demolition team of Company A, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 15 September 1944. When his platoon was held up soon after landing by fire from several enemy pill boxes Private Paxton went forward under the covering fire of his comrades and in the face of heavy enemy rifle, machine gun and mortar fire placed demolition charge s on the enemy positions which destroyed two strong points and killed several of the enemy. Although wounded by shrapnel while accomplishing his mission he refused to be evacuated, staunchly remained on the lines and aided in the defense of the position. Quick to act after an automatic rifleman was killed on the night of 16 September, he took over the automatic weapon alternately firing and throwing hand grenades to assist materially in repulsing a severe enemy counter attack. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Private Paxton and the United States Naval Service.