The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant George W. Gorball (MCSN: 289589), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous Gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands, 1 August 1944. When members of an assault engineer mine reconnaissance patrol sustained serious casualties as a result of intense enemy fire, Sergeant Gorball unhesitatingly volunteered to assist in removing the wounded and, fearlessly braving the terrific barrages from powerful automatic weapons, picked his way through dangerous minefields to the exposed position where men lay helpless. Fatally wounded while administering aid to one of the Marines, Sergeant Gorball exhausted his fast waning strength to care for his companion, persisting in his heroic efforts until he collapsed. By his outstanding courage in the face of extreme peril, his exceptional initiative and his unwavering devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.