The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ian C. Waters (MCSN: 474311), United States Marine Corps Reserve, 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 on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 7 July 1944. When enemy forces were attacking his battery position with machine gun and rifle fire at close range, Private First Class Waters remained at his post despite serious wounds and continued loading his section’s artillery piece until the battery was ordered to withdraw when numerically superior enemy forces threatened to overrun the position. By his action, Private First Class Waters contributed materially to the infliction of severe casualties on the enemy and to the arresting of the counter attack in the area. His skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.