Victor W. Baird’s Silver Star citation

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

CORPORAL VICTOR W. BAIRD
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. When close-range rifle and machine-gun fire pinned down his squad with deadly crossfire, Corporal Baird charged forward alone to a position about ten yards from the right flank on the hostile pillbox, thereby wiping out the gun crew and silencing the weapon. By his courageous and aggressive efforts under hostile fire, Corporal Baird enabled his men to move forward and flank the remaining enemy machine guns. His gallant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
JOHN L. SULLIVAN
Secretary of the Navy,