The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Walter L. Quinby (MCSN: 532241), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ruykyu Islands, on 9 May 1945. When his platoon leader and non-commissioned officers became casualties during an assault against a hill defended by well-entrenched enemy forces, Private First Class Quinby unhesitatingly assumed command of the platoon and, exposing himself to intense hostile machine-gun and mortar fire, effected a reorganization and led the unit to a successful completion of its difficult mission. His initiative, aggressive leadership and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Quinby and the United States Naval Service.