Verner Eugene Austin

Captain, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 5455 (January 17, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Verner E. Austin (MCSN: 0-26445), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as the leader of a 37-mm. Gun Platoon of Weapons Company, First Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 26 June 1944.
Leading his platoon through heavily-fortified Japanese territory, Second Lieutenant Austin succeeded in reducing an enemy position containing two strongly defended pillboxes and three ammunition dumps which were well protected by hostile fire. Although seriously wounded in the leg during this action, he continued to advance, keeping his guns in action until ordered to be evacuated for treatment of his wounds. His leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.