The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John V. LaBarbera (MCSN: 284391), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Sergeant Guide of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 26 and 27 September 1944. Leading the right flank of his platoon forward after his platoon leader had been killed by a burst of hostile fire, Sergeant LaBarbera pushed ahead to secure the top of a hill commanding the area and, with the acting platoon leader, organized a strong defense of this vital sector. Subsequently driven down the forward slopes by enemy opposition, he again proceeded forward with the right flank of his platoon. Pinned down on an open flat by Japanese automatic rifle fire from a cave in the side of the hill, he directed the return fire of his squad against the hostile emplacement and, although seriously wounded in the hand and arm during the fierce fire fight, courageously continued in his gallant efforts until tanks and flame throwers were brought up and the enemy-held cave destroyed. By his courage, initiative and devotion to duty throughout, Sergeant LaBarbera upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.