The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Assistant Cook Joseph M. Borges (MCSN: 467572), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 10 July 1944. While assisting in guarding a battalion supply section dump, Assistant Cook Borges displayed exceptional initiative and courage when the position was suddenly taken under attack by Japanese forces. Quick to act as a hostile hand grenade was hurled into the foxhole in which he was sitting, he unhesitatingly attempted to throw it back but was mortally wounded while performing this heroic deed. His personal valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave danger reflect the highest credit upon Assistant Cook Borges and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.