The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Nicholas J. Dennis (MCSN: 0-31650), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Demolitions Officer in Charge of an Engineer Platoon of the First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Group, 15 September 1944. Fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire on numerous occasions, Second Lieutenant Dennis personally directed and led his men in blowing up enemy-occupied caves and emplacements. Later, while the battalion advanced over very difficult terrain broken by steep ridges and heavily defended draws, he moved forward of our lines and placed charges in caves which were holding up our advance and causing heavy casualties. Again while exposed to enemy fire, he directed the blasting of a path for our tanks up a coral ravine, enabling the tanks to advance to a firing position and thus support the attacking troops. His aggressive fighting spirit, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.