The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Henry A. Shires (ASN: 6277554), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 17 June 1944. When the squad of which he was a member had advanced to within twenty yards of an enemy pillbox, Private First Class Shires left his covered position, ran across an open space and leaped upon the emplacement, thrusting his bayonet through an opening in the roof. While atop this pillbox he was fired upon by an enemy rifleman at close range. Private First Class Shires returned the fire and then rejoined his squad.