The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Edward G. Ahrens (MCSN: 264465), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Guide of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 to 17 June 1944. On 15 June, Sergeant Ahrens crossed a stretch of open terrain under intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire to rescue a severely wounded member of his platoon. Two days later, when his Commanding Officer was killed and the Executive Officer wounded during an attack against a heavily defended rocky cliff, Sergeant Ahrens moved forward under intense machine gun fire and carried the wounded Executive Officer to safety. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.