The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Gavin H. Young (MCSN: 0-8967), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Headquarters and Service Battery, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marinas Islands, 7 July 1944. Informed that his organization was under attack while he was performing liaison duties with another battalion, Captain Young obtained permission to go to his own battalion and, taking several men and weapons gun and rifle fire to the direction center where he directed the fire of several isolated defense units. When his battalion commander was killed, Captain Young assumed command and, by his leadership, courage and fighting spirit, contributed essentially to the successful defense of his position. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.