The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major Webb Duane Sawyer (MCSN: 0-7847), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Executive Officer of Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 6 December 1950. When his battalion encountered fierce enemy resistance from strong hostile positions which dominated and blocked the road from Hagaru-ri to Koto-ri, Major Sawyer skillfully led elements of his group in an enveloping movement around the enemy’s left flank and, with brilliant leadership, successfully aided in countering and repelling the hostile attack. For twenty-two hours he voluntarily and continually remained exposed to a vicious hail of hostile fire and, though painfully wounded by mortar fire, steadfastly refused evacuation in order that he might assist in the direction and control of the fighting. By his valiant courage, daring initiative and staunch devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds, Major Sawyer contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the battalion objective, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.