The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leonard J. Begalla (MCSN: 418311), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of an Assault Platoon of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and occupation of Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 15 and 16 June 1944. Severely wounded by shrapnel during the initial hostilities, while manning a machine gun mounted on an amphibious tractor en route to the beach, Sergeant Begalla steadfastly continued to pour a stream of damaging fire on the enemy until his tractor landed on the beach. Resolutely refusing to be evacuated after leaving the tractor, he led his squad on assigned combat missions, performing his essential duties with zealous initiative. Wounded a second time while leading his men against sustained hostile fire the following day, he gallantly aided in evacuating wounded members of his squad before withdrawing himself for medical treatment. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage in the face of savage and unceasing opposition, Sergeant Begalla contributed materially to the success of our operations against this vital Japanese stronghold, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.