The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Major Gilbert L. Morton (MCSN: 238388), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company M, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 22 June 1944. Dispatched with his platoon to seize heavily fortified enemy-held Hill 504, Sergeant Major Morton fearlessly led his men through intense mortar and machine-gun fire to carry out a brilliantly executed attack. Then, skillfully reorganizing his platoon and setting up an effective defense, he encouraged his men to hold fast despite further attempts by a fanatic enemy to counterattack his position, repulsing each vicious onslaught with heavy losses to the Japanese. Unable to fire because of the presence of friendly troops when four of the enemy infiltrated his line during the night, he boldly engaged them in hand-to-hand combat and fighting gallantly against tremendous odds, succeeded in killing three and wounding the fourth. Seriously wounded during the bitter action, he steadfastly refused evacuation, and, remaining with his platoon, continued to hold until relief arrived the following day. By his forceful and determined leadership, great personal valor and cool and courageous action in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Major Morton served as a constant inspiration to the men under his command and contributed essentially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold. His valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.