The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Erik R. Frederiksen, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 7 July 1944. When a convoy of amphibian tractors which he commanded was held up by an enemy machine gun, as it neared a beach from which he was to evacuate wounded, Lieutenant Frederiksen, with complete disregard for the fact that fire of the machine gun was directed at his tractor, exposed himself above the well of the tractor to man a machine gun, with which he silenced the enemy weapon. His prompt action, without regard for his personal safety, permitted the rescue party to disembark, and prevented wounded who were approaching the line of fire from being struck. First Lieutenant Frederiksen’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.