The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Burton C. Sayer (MCSN: 499701), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Cannoneer serving with the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 7 July 1944. With his battery position under bitter close-range attack, Private First Class Sayer skillfully laid his section’s piece for elevation, valiantly remaining at his post until the numerically superior Japanese overran the battery and forced its withdrawal. Mortally wounded in the small-arms fight which followed in the immediate rear, Private First Class Sayer, by his zealous efforts and aggressive determination, had aided materially in the infliction of severe casualties on the enemy and in the disruption of their advance. His cool courage under fire and outstanding devotion to duty throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.