Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Samuel Borrelli (MCSN: 845071), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Sergeant Guide in a platoon of Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 13 May 1945. Skillfully applying his knowledge of rifle company and platoon tactics throughout the bitterly fought Okinawa Campaign, Corporal Borrelli willing assumed additional responsibilities in the execution of extremely dangerous missions, greatly increasing the combat efficiency of his platoon. Attacking with his company in the suburbs of Naha on the northern side of the Asato River and observing the failure of several attempts to rescue a wounded Marine lying directly in the line of fire from an enemy pillbox, he signaled a near-by tank to direct its neutralizing fire upon the hostile emplacement and, dashing unarmed through the heavy fire, succeeded in carrying the stricken man to safety. Corporal Borrelli’s aggressive fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received