Earl J. Rayburn

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Earl J. Rayburn (651323), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 16 and 17 September 1951. Sergeant Rayburn displayed exceptional initiative, skill, and leadership as Platoon Sergeant of a machine gun platoon during a fierce two-day action near Sintan-ni. When the company headquarters group came under sudden and intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire while the rifle platoons were in the attack, he moved fearlessly from position to position, exposing himself continually to enemy fire to direct counterfire. Later that night as the rifle platoons withdrew into a company defense perimeter, he displayed the same complete disregard for his personal safety as he rushed from unit to unit in the face of intense enemy fire, setting up his guns and assisting the platoon leaders in deploying theirs. The next morning he courageously moved with the attacking element, and when it neared its objective while under intense fire, he dashed from gun to gun, directing fire, eliminating stoppages, and shouting words of encouragement to his men. Though seriously wounded by enemy fire, he remained steadfastly with one gun and continued designating targets until ordered to be evacuated. Sergeant Rayburn’s heroic actions served as an inspiration to all who observed him, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.