The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jesse P. Collins (MCSN: 802772), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 2 July 1944. When his machine gun squad was pinned down by hostile fire and the gunner killed during a fire fight, Private First Class Collins worked his way to the gun and under heavy enemy fire, placed the weapon back into action. Although wounded shortly thereafter he continued operating his gun until he had neutralized an enemy emplacement that was holding up the advance of his company. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Collins and the United States Naval Service.