The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Peter Mlinarik (MCSN: 300431), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the FIRST Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 30 December 1943. Courageously volunteering to lead a small patrol into the Japanese-occupied jungle, Sergeant Mlinarik succeeded in obtaining vitally important information regarding the strength of the enemy and his supply lines and despite heavy intense hostile fire directed the members of the patrol back toward safety until attacked by a Japanese sniper. Unmindful of his own danger in an effort to save his companions, Sergeant Mlinarik remained behind to cover the return of the patrol to their positions and while carrying out this hazardous task was fatally wounded. His fearless leadership and unfaltering devotion to duty in completing this perilous mission were essential factors in the subsequent defeat of the enemy in this area, and his valiant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.