The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Peter F. DeMaria (MCSN: 274383), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Marine Detachment as Control Officer of two antiaircraft guns on board the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, on 25 November 1944. Although wounded by a bomb explosion during a heavy attack by Japanese aircraft, Gunnery Sergeant De Maria heroically directed the care of the wounded and reorganized his gun crews to deliver effective fire during the succeeding action, refusing medical attention until all threat of further attack had passed. His initiative and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.