The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Gurnie G. Peters (MCSN: 316618), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, Second Armored Amphibian Tractor Battalion, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan Island, Marianas Group on 15 June 1944. Assuming command of his armored amphibian after his superior was wounded, Corporal Peters proceeded inland with the infantry and when his 75-mm. howitzer was disabled by an enemy shell, manned the 50 caliber machine gun to clear the way for the infantry overrunning two mortar emplacements and one machine gun n nest. After his vehicle was stopped by an obstacle, he refused to abandon it and remaining alone, moved it once again into operations against the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Peters and the United States Naval Service.