The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant John J. Ward, Jr. (MCSN: 0-14449), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan Island, Mariana Islands from 15 June to 9 July 1944. Courageous and aggressive in the face of terrific Japanese opposition throughout the invasion and occupation of this strategically important island, First Lieutenant Ward contributed materially to the success of a vital campaign. On 9 July 1944 his company broke through to the final objective and upon reaching the sea was immediately exposed to enemy automatic rifle fire from the cliffs which seriously wounded ten Marines and killed one. Directing a few volunteers and working with hastily improvised stretchers in the face of continuous heavy and accurate hostile fire, First Lieutenant Ward succeeded in evacuating all the wounded while under cover of darkness, his company withdrew to the cliff line of the beach to set up a defense for the night. His superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.