The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Omer J. Bernier (MCSN: 413311), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of a 37-mm. Gun Platoon of Regimental Weapons Company, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 19 June 1944. Boldly volunteering to attempt the apparently hopeless rescue of several wounded Marines lying exposed to heavy enemy rifle and machine gun fire, Corporal Bernier and a companion unhesitatingly braved the merciless barrage and succeeded in carrying four of the casualties to safety before the hostile fire was neutralized. His gallant and courageous spirit and tenacious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.