The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Michael E. Amar (MCSN: 306448), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Group Leader of a Rifle Squad serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Mariana Islands, 22 to 23 July 1944. Courageous and aggressive in the face of the terrific fire from Japanese guns, Corporal Amar rendered valiant service during initial landing operations on this strategically important island. During a fierce counterattack by enemy forces on the night of 22 – 23 July 1944, he was supplementing the fire of a machine gun with fire from his automatic rifle when the machine gun was destroyed and all members of the crew were seriously wounded. Fighting alone, he killed four of the enemy, including two officers, and held the position until the reorganization of his squad was completed thirty-five yards to the rear. Later that night, Corporal Amar led a fire team through an area covered by intense hostile fire in a daring attempt to destroy the enemy in their fox holes near his squad’s former position and was severely wounded during this action. His indomitable fighting spirit and outstanding skill were contributing factors in the ultimate success of a vital campaign and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.