The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Waite W. Worden (MCSN: 0-6183), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the initial attack on Hill 150, Cape Gloucester, New Britain on 6 and 7 January 1944. In charge of two rifle companies, Major Worden led his men through dense jungle and swamp in a torrential tropical rain and despite numerous casualties and stubborn opposition from concealed machine gun nests and snipers throughout every foot of the bitterly contested area, gained one of the key points commanding the regimental objective, the East-West Trail. When the Japanese charge the Hill three times that night in an effort to dislodge the company holding it, Major Worden directed activities from the observation post in the face of heavy enemy machine gun fire and by his courageous leadership and professional skill, was directly instrumental in repulsing the attack with further enemy losses. His coolness under fire and his gallant devotion to duty throughout this action reflect the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.