The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Delbert J. Peterson (MCSN: 867213), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as mortar observer of Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Oroku Peninsula, Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands on 5 June 1945. Bravely maintaining his observation post despite intense enemy mortar and small arms fire, Corporal Peterson personal killed four of the Japanese by rifle fire and succeeded in making five trips across hostile fire lanes and mortar impact areas between his observation post and the mortar position to transmit corrections he had observed. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.