The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Joseph Diamond Gatto (MCSN: 204585), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan Island in the Marianas, on 22 June 1944. When his platoon was pinned down by heavy Japanese machine-gun fire while carrying out a hazardous patrol deep behind enemy lines, Platoon Sergeant Gatto boldly advanced alone and, defying the unceasing Japanese barrage, single-handedly destroyed one machine-gun position by approaching to a close range and killing the occupants with his carbine. Later during the same action, he administered first aid to six of his men who had become casualties and coolly directed their evacuation while still under concentrated hostile fire. Platoon Sergeant Gatto’s intrepid initiative, resolute fortitude and valiant devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service.