The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Bernard Edward Heeney (MCSN: 356991), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands on 24 September 1944. Seriously wounded while advancing to reinforce our front lines during a vicious enemy counter attack, Corporal Heeney fearlessly braved fanatic Japanese resistance to lead his machine gun section to a strategic firing position in forward area. Continuing his valiant efforts, he skillfully disposed his weapons for maximum firing power against the enemy before submitting to evacuation. Subsequently succumbing to his wounds, Corporal Heeney, by his daring initiative, great personal valor and self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of grave peril had contributed immeasurably to the success of the engagement and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.