W. L. Martin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to W. L. Martin (298134), First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on December 30, 1966. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, First Sergeant Martin upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to W. L. Martin (298134), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Section Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1951. With his company assaulting a heavily fortified and numerically superior hostile force deeply entrenched on Hill 659 near Inje, Sergeant Martin unhesitatingly maneuvered his section forward and joined the point platoon. Braving intense small-arms, grenade, and automatic-weapons fire, he skillfully deployed his men and supervised their attack against the outnumbering force and, in addition, voluntarily undertook the observation and direction of the 60-mm. mortar platoon’s fire. By his decisive and aggressive actions, courageous leadership and heroic efforts, Sergeant Martin was in large measure responsible for the success of his company in the infliction of many casualties upon the aggressors, and his staunch devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD: 1st Marine Division, Serial 23888