The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Dale T. Kirkland (MCSN: 326400), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Demolitions Team of Company C, First Engineer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 September to 16 October 1944. Demonstrating exceptional initiative and courage, Sergeant Kirkland led his squad out in front of the lines of a rifle company to close several caves known to be occupied by the enemy on 20 September. Caught in hostile automatic fire which killed one man and severely wounded another while he and four men of his team were blowing the caves, he disregarded the enemy fire and completed the demolition of the remaining cave. In the succeeding days, he continued to lead his squad time after time in demolishing Japanese caves and emplacements, usually under hostile fire. His devotion to duty throughout the operation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.