The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Ernest E. Fechtig (MCSN: 0-22016), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Artillery Forward Observer, attached to Company C, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, June 15, 1944. Landing with his assault company, Second Lieutenant Fechtig directed, with great skill and unselfish concern for his personal safety, withering artillery fire against Japanese troop masses in spite of adverse conditions of darkness and intense hostile small-arms and mortar fire. As the Japanese counterattack continued, elements of our infantry were forced to withdraw, small arms ammunition was almost exhausted and most of the automatic weapons were overrun by tanks. Gradually, enemy troops penetrated the area under cover of intense supporting fire, but Second Lieutenant Fechtig continued to expose himself fearlessly to obtain observation and direct devastating shellfire until reinforcements arrived and broke the counterattack. His coolness under fire, courageous action and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.