The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Marvin W. Orso (ASN: 34588731), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the Coast Artillery, in action at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 4 July 1945. In the late afternoon, Private First Class Orso was a member of a patrol engaged in clearing remnants of the Japanese Military Force from caves in the Mt. Tapotchau area. The patrol suddenly encountered determined resistance from the vicinity of a cave. Rifle and machine gun fire and grenades were exchanged in a brisk fire fight, and it soon became evident that it would be difficult to dislodge the enemy from their position. In order to create a diversion, Private First Class Orso voluntarily advanced to the cliff and started to climb by means of the clinging vines. Upon reaching a ledge near the dave he was shot and killed by enemy fire. By his intrepid and gallant conduct, at the cost of his own life, his comrades were able to advance and secure higher ground from which the enemy pocket of resistance was eliminated by killing five and capturing three enemy military personnel. Private First Class Orso’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.