The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Melvin D. Seals (MCSN: 304006), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tinian, Mariana Islands, on 24 July 1944. When four Marines were seriously wounded in the front line area and their evacuation made impossible by the enemy’s fierce, concentrated fire, Sergeant Seals immediately proceeded to the rear to obtain protection for removing the helpless men. Fully aware of the extreme danger, he boldly walked in front of two medium tanks and skillfully guided them to the vicinity of his comrades. Struck down by bursting shellfire while carrying out his perilous mission, Sergeant Seals, by his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance, and self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of others, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.