The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Eugene Orval Anderson (MCSN: 482776), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau Group, on 15 September 1944. Arriving with the initial assault waves on the fire-swept beach, Assistant Cook Anderson repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy’s merciless fire as he worked tirelessly throughout the fierce hostilities on D-Day in evacuating casualties from the front lines to the Battalion Aid Station at the rear. Confronted by an enemy tank while carrying a wounded Marine back to the Aid Station, he fearlessly disregarded all personal danger to place his helpless comrade in a shellhole and, rendering himself a clear target for the enemy, was struck down and mortally wounded by a burst of fire from the Japanese tank. By his determined initiative, undaunted fortitude and cool courage in the face of savage, unceasing opposition, Assistant Cook Anderson saved one Marine from certain death and contributed materially to the safety of numerous others. His decisive conduct and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.