The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Emery C. Sutton (MCSN: 297169), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Assistant Machine Gunner serving with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 16 September 1944. When two Japanese machine guns in a strongly-defended jungle position opened fire and inflicted numerous casualties on his company as it was attacking eastward across the enemy-held airport, Private First Class Sutton unhesitatingly exposed himself to the intense, persistent hostile fire in order to point out the Japanese positions and direct the fire of his gunner and, although he was killed while engaged in this vital task, many of the enemy were destroyed and the remainder forced to retreat as a result of his heroic action, thus permitting his company to continue its advance. Private First Class Sutton’s brilliant initiative and unselfish devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.