The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph J. Jarosz (MCSN: 367296), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Fire Team Leader, serving with a platoon of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 June 1945. When his platoon suffered heavy casualties and the platoon leader and two members of his fire team were wounded in an assault against a heavily defended enemy ridge position, Private First Class Jarosz, acting on his own initiative, threw several smoke grenades which successfully concealed the evacuation of the wounded. After he had helped carry the casualties to safety, he dauntlessly led his team in continuing the attack, utilizing an automatic rifle which he obtained from one of the wounded men and pressing forward valiantly until he reached the crest of the hill where he received fatal wounds. His aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Jarosz and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.