The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Sidney T. Ainsworth, Jr. (MCSN: 337918), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 7 May 1945. During an intensified, heavy enemy fire attack on his rifle platoon’s positions, Private First Class Ainsworth single-handedly destroyed an enemy mortar with his rocket launcher and subsequently employed the same weapon in skillfully covering the withdrawal of his platoon. By his courageous actions in the face of intense enemy mortar, machine gun and sniper fire, he rendered invaluable assistance in enabling his platoon to retire to a more favorable position without further casualties. His courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.