The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Dean W. Atwood (MCSN: 0-15097), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Battalion Survey Officer attached to the First Battalion, Fourteenth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 16 June 1944. With almost every member of his section a casualty when his survey party was viciously attacked by the enemy while attempting to establish a battalion forward observation post on an exposed ridge, First Lieutenant Atwood voluntarily braved heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire to minister first aid to the wounded and, working tirelessly and with calm courage, gallantly remained in the area and assisted in the evacuation of his men. An inspiring and valiant leader, First Lieutenant Atwood saved the lives of many men who otherwise might have perished, and his unwavering devotion to duty maintained at great personal risk was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.