The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Yancy B. Proffitt, Jr. (MCSN: 410746), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 16 June 1944. When the enemy launched a strong counter attack early in the morning, Private First Class Proffitt in company with another Marine, maintained a machine gun on a small salient ahead of the lines after all his supporting riflemen had been killed or wounded. By his steadfast courage and devotion to duty he contributed materially to the repulse of the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.