Whitney P. Pierron Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS WHITNEY P. PIERRON,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 3 January 1944. When his Gunnery Sergeant was killed and his gunner seriously wounded while defending a strategic position in the vicinity of Target Hill against the fierce onslaughts of a savage enemy, Private First Class Pierron manned the gun alone and continued to pour a deadly rain of fire against the Japanese until help could reach him. Subjected to devastating machine-gun and mortar fire for two hours, he steadfastly remained at his hazardous post, repulsing two desperate rushes with heavy losses to the enemy. By his courageous stand and his devotion to duty, Private First Class Pierron contributed materially to the successful defense of an extremely important key position, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal

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Born: Morgan City, La…. Home of record: New Orleans, La.