The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John D. Wieters (MCSN: 0-18595), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 15 and 16 June 1944. Painfully wounded during his approach to the beach in an amphibious tractor on D-Day, First Lieutenant Wieters aggressively fought on and leading his platoon forward through the enemy’s shattering artillery and small arms fire, continued to press the attack until he sustained two more wounds and was forced to evacuate the area. By his forceful and determined leadership, his indomitable fighting spirit and cool and courageous action in the face of grave peril, First Lieutenant Wieters contributed materially to the success of a critical phase of the battle and to the ultimate capture of this vital hostile stronghold. His zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.