The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John P. Belcak (MCSN: 479379), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Automatic Rifleman, while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines (Reinforced), FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan, Marianas Group, 12 July 1944. When a member of his patrol was killed by an enemy rifleman located on a rocky ledge during mopping up operations, Private First Class Belcak unhesitatingly scaled the cliff and, despite heavy hostile fire, closed in and single-handedly killed the Japanese soldier. His outstanding fortitude, cool courage and continued aggressiveness despite painful wounds received on three separate occasions, served as an inspiration to his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.