The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Hugh Wiginton (MCSN: 458122), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a runner in an Assault Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 15 September 1944. Moving inland after landing with his platoon, Private First Class Wiginton discovered that his Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant had been killed and the majority of his platoon killed or wounded and resolutely assuming command of the men, reorganized the available remnants of his platoon. With his men directly to his front he ordered them to hold their position at all costs and manning the radio, informed the rear company command post of the situation. Throughout the day he maintained his position against enemy infiltration attacks until dusk when he received orders to withdraw under the protection of tanks to a more strategic line. Concerned for the welfare of his men he first evacuated the wounded then moved his men to a new position. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty under fire reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Wiginton and the United States Naval Service.