The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John E. Nolan (MCSN: 425960), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Finegan, Guam, Mariana Islands, on 3 August 1944. Advancing alone in an effort to wipe out and enemy road block delaying the advance of his platoon, Private First Class Nolan dashed the distance of fifty yards up on the open road in the face of heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire and succeeded in annihilating four Japanese. Despite a wound sustained in this action, he refused medical aid until the position was completely destroyed. His skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.