The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold B. Bond (MCSN: 350818), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company H, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 17 September 1944. When enemy machine-gun and rifle fire pinned his company down while it was advancing against a steep ridge interlaced with strongly defended caves, tunnels and concrete emplacements, Private First Class Bond voluntarily guided a tank into a position from which to reduce the opposition and, taking an exposed observation post on top of the vehicle despite concentrated hostile fire, effectively directed the aiming and firing of his tank’s guns in a bombardment which silenced the heavy weapons of the Japanese. By his courageous efforts in the face of intense hostile fire, Private First Class Bond enabled the company to continue its advance, and his gallant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.