The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Rellen O. Skelton (MCSN: 0-27132), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 17 June 1944. When his Battalion was attacked by tank-led hostile forces, Second Lieutenant Skelton bravely worked his way over almost impassable terrain during the dark hours of early morning to displace his 37-mm. guns forward to meet the fierce attack and, although one of his gun positions had been overrun by an enemy tank, skillfully kept the remainder of his weapons firing. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.