The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Michael Popichak (MCSN: 491767), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of a communication unit serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Twentieth Marines (Engineer), FOURTH Marine Division in action against Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 16 June 1944. Courageously moving forward to meet the enemy during a counter attack against our lines, Private Popichak noticed one of our machine guns whose crew had been killed and disregarding the great personal danger, boldly took the gun with him and succeeded in setting it up in a position commanding the advancing Japanese forces. Manning the gun with exceptional skill he killed and wounded many of the enemy thereby aiding materially in the successful repulse of the counter attack. His outstanding initiative, relentless fighting spirit and great valor reflect the highest credit upon Private Popichak and the United States Naval Service.