The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Francis P. Birnbaum (MCSN: 309727), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Sergeant serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. When his platoon leader became a casualty, Platoon Sergeant Birnbaum took over the platoon and displayed outstanding initiative and skill in leading his men on patrols in which many of the enemy were destroyed and numerous prisoners taken. When his platoon was pinned down by enemy fire from a range of fifty yards during a vigorous attack, Platoon Sergeant Birnbaum courageously directed the fire of a friendly tank and led his men into close combat with the enemy to destroy over forty of the Japanese. Later, while making several trips over rough terrain to rear areas, he brought up supplies and an extra machine gun needed for defensive positions. His unwavering devotion to duty and gallant conduct throughout these operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.