The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Joseph J. Harrant (MCSN: 0-38403), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 10 June 1945. When his platoon sustained heavy casualties during an advance on strong enemy positions, resulting in a temporary halt and disorganization of the unit, Second Lieutenant Harrant courageously exposed himself to intense hostile small arms and mortar fire in an effort to reorganize his platoon and continue the advance. Although seriously wounded during his encounter, he refused evacuation and continued to lead his men until the Japanese position had been seized, and when his platoon again came under heavy fire of all types, he refused to take cover in order to organize a defense and evacuate the wounded, permitting himself to be evacuated only after this was accomplished. By his skilled leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and gallant devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Harrant aided immeasurably in the success of this prolonged operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.