The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph Z. Erlick (MCSN: 460253), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of the Engineers Platoon serving with the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands, 2 August 1944. Courageous and aggressive in the face of terrible fire from Japanese guns, Private First Class Erlick rendered valuable service during initial operations on this strategically important enemy stronghold. Stationed in a fox-hole several yards from the point of his battalion command post under attack on 2 August by approximately one hundred and fifty Japanese, he immediately delivered such a devastating volume of fire from his automatic rifle that many of the enemy were killed and others were delayed long enough to permit the establishment of an adequate defense line. Daring to leave the comparative safety of his fox-hole in the face of intense hostile machine-gun and rifle fire in order to obtain a better vantage point, Private First class Erlick stood in an open roadway down which the enemy was advancing and continued to fire until he was mortally wounded. By his inspiring initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, he undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades and contributed materially to the ultimate success of this vital campaign. His heroic spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.