The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Luther Woodard (MCSN: 881521), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Fourth Marine Ammunition Company, Fifth Field Depot, Supply Services, Fleet Marine Force in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands on 11 January 1945. Following a freshly made foot print which he had discovered in the vicinity of the ammunition dump, Private Woodard, voluntarily and unaided, trailed a party of six Japanese through heavy underbrush to a small clearing near an abandoned shack where he opened fire against the enemy killing one and possibly wounding another before the survivors fled. Returning to his company, Private Woodard organized a patrol of five men and when contact was again established with the hostile group was successful in killing one of the two who were annihilated by his group. His initiative and cool courage in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.