The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Fred L. Twiford (MCSN: 434619), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner and Scout of Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy held Peleliu, Palau Islands on 18 and 19 September 1944. After locating a hostile machine gun which had opened fire on his company’s defensive lines on the evening of 19 September, Private First Class Twiford ran back to the Company Command Post and securing a rocket launcher single-handedly knocked out the position. The first to volunteer for an eight man patrol whose dangerous mission was to fight its way to the top of a commanding hill in the vicinity of Bloody Nose ridge on 19 September, he annihilated five enemy snipers while scouting for the patrol and knocked out two hostile caves in which resistance was encountered. Although seriously wounded when the patrol was forced to withdraw, he succeeded in reaching the Battalion Observation Post with an urgent message from his patrol leader. His aggressive fighting spirit, courageous efforts and outstanding devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.