The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Cleo Denver Slider (MCSN: 497784), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Squad Leader, serving with Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Gunto, Ryukyu Retto, 23 April 1945. Observing that his squad was isolated by machine-gun and rifle fire, Sergeant Slider dauntlessly moved beyond the forward elements of his squad in order to direct its fire. Moving directly into the hostile barrage when all but one man of a supporting machine-gun squad had been wounded, he dragged the weapon into position of temporary safety and courageously directed his men in an orderly withdrawal to the remainder of the platoon, inflicting heavy casualties upon the Japanese during this action. Assured of the safety of his unit, Sergeant Slider returned to the enemy-strafed area to recover the machine gun and this prevent it from falling into the hands of the enemy. His daring initiative and determined fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.