The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Luther L. Thornton (MCSN: 315402), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the THIRD Marine Division during the landing attack on Puruata Island, British Solomon Islands on 1 November 1943. Serving as a member of the five man crew on a 75 millimeter self-propelled anti-tank gun, Sergeant Thornton unhesitatingly advanced into the jungle to assist in reducing an enemy position of three strongly defended pill boxes well protected by hostile snipers. Despite the gun’s limited armor protection, ineffective against intense enemy fire which killed or wounded the entire crew at the adjacent gun, he pressed home a vigorous attack and kept his weapon in action until the hostile stronghold was destroyed. Sergeant Thornton’s great personal valor and tenacious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.