Henry F. Martin

Private 1st Class, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 255 (February 22, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Henry F. Martin (MCSN: 488315), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Automatic Rifleman and Group Leader while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 16 June 1944.
When the men in his group were killed by Japanese fire from three dugouts, Private First Class Martin fought a single-handed battle and, by his valiant determination, succeeded in cleaning out the treacherous enemy positions and in killing five of the hostile force.
Mortally wounded by enemy fire from another position soon after he had carried out his heroic action, Private First Class Martin, by his splendid initiative and cool courage in the face of fanatic opposition, contributed essentially to the conquest of this vital Japanese base. His unwavering devotion to duty reflects great credit upon Private First Class Martin and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.