The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John L. Sterling (MCSN: 0-17377), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. During repeated enemy counterattacks throughout the night, First Lieutenant Sterling skillfully led his outnumbered forces in repulsing the enemy and in inflicting severe losses although most of his men were casualties before morning. Later in the campaign in an assault against Japanese-held pillboxes, he directed his men until he was seriously wounded. His leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Sterling and the United States Naval Service.