The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Ray Earl Van Horn (MCSN: 282830), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces while serving at the Marine Barracks, United States Naval Station, Guam, Mariana Islands, 10 December 1941. In order to prevent our explosives and ammunition magazines from falling into Japanese hands, Private First Class Van Horn volunteered as a member of a three-man demolition party and, in a light truck loaded with hundreds of pounds of dynamite, drove at high speed over rough roads to effect the destruction of a magazine located more than a mile away from our own troops. In constant danger from strafing and bombing attacks by low-flying enemy patrol planes, he coolly carried out his assignment, setting the demolition charges and destroying all ammunition and explosives in the magazine. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Van Horn and the United States Naval Service.