The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Philip Ansel Spry (MCSN: 832577), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Cannoneer of Battery H, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 7 July 1944. During a fanatical enemy charge, Private First Class Spry coolly loaded his section’s piece which was delivering direct fire at the hostile forces who were attacking the battery position at a range of less than one hundred yards. Although under Japanese rifle and machine-gun fire at this time, he stayed at his post until seriously wounded and ordered to withdraw just before a superior number of hostile forces overran the battery position. By his calm actions while under enemy fire, he contributed to the infliction of serious casualties on the attacking force and greatly aided in disrupting their advance and stopping the attack in the Battalion area. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.