The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Marchell L. Martin (ASN: 35115907), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. During an attack on an enemy position, Corporal Martin, armed with hand grenades, crawled through an area subjected to extremely heavy fire and silenced an enemy machine gun impeding the advance of his platoon. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.