The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Kenneth E. Arzt (MCSN: 449012), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a Patrol of Amphibian Reconnaissance Battalion, FIFTH Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, on 10 and 11 July 1944. Assigned the perilous mission of personally conducting a reconnaissance of the beaches and reefs on enemy-held Tinian Island, Platoon Sergeant Arzt swam ashore with other members of the patrol and, adroitly evading patrolling Japanese troops, succeeded in obtaining valuable information concerning the location and characteristics of beach obstacles, depth of water on reefs before the beaches, height of cliffs and physical aspects of the terrain inland, and the suitability of areas for invasion by our troops and landing craft. By his skill, daring aggressiveness and intrepid spirit, maintained despite the vigilance of the enemy and the strength of his fortifications, Platoon Sergeant Arzt aided materially in carrying out this hazardous mission without loss of life or injury to the patrol. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.