The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jack G. French (MCSN: 504572), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Assistant Gunner in a Machine Gun Squad of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 16 September 1944. Although wounded twice when all the members of his squad became casualties during a strong ambush by hostile forces, Private First class French succeeded in dragging a wounded comrade to safety and taking charge of a rifle squad detailed to effect the rescue, braved the continued enemy rifle and machine gun barrage to direct the rescue of two seriously wounded Marines, thereby undoubtedly saving the lives of three of his comrades. His outstanding courage, devotion to duty and grave concern for the welfare of others were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.