The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Howard A. Berrian (MCSN: 0-37495), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Mortar Platoon Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 24 May 1945. Prior to assuming command of a rifle platoon whose leader had been wounded and evacuated while the unit was committed to fierce action, Second Lieutenant Berrian supervised the evacuation of several wounded men who were at the base of a cliff in front of his position. Working under enemy observation and fire, he courageously made his way forward to tie ropes around the wounded in order that they might be evacuated in the safest and most expedient manner. Then leading his men to a strategic position, he brought effective fire to bear on the enemy, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of the hostile force. His leadership and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.