The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Stephen Dervarics, Jr. (MCSN: 325760), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of a machine-gun crew serving with the FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, January 3, 1944. When three men of his squad were wounded while crossing a jungle stream in an attempt to drive the enemy from strongly defended positions, Private First Class Dervarics courageously entered the hazardous waters three times under heavy automatic fire and, through his heroic efforts and unflinching determination, succeeded in carrying his comrades to safety. Private First Class Devarics’ splendid initiative and selfless conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.