The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant August L. Camarata (MCSN: 0-40383), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving a Platoon Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 11 June 1945. When his company was engaged in heavy fighting on Oroku Peninsula, Second Lieutenant Camarata was ordered to move behind an assault platoon to provide covering fire against heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire emanating from both flanks and from the right and left rear of the assault platoon. Courageously leading his men up the forward slope of the steep objective, he directed the deliver of accurate fire on both flanks of the Japanese and was responsible for the annihilation of fifteen of the enemy and the neutralization of two machine guns. Although wounded during the action, he continued to move from man to man, shouting encouragement and orders until the objective was seized. His resolute courage, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.