The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Andrew H. Bubanas (MCSN: 258702), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 4 May 1945. Observing that an adjacent platoon was leaderless after the Platoon Leader became a casualty, Private First Class Bubanas took command and led the platoon forward in an assault on a heavily defended Japanese position. Locating an enemy machine gun, he boldly moved forward alone and attacked the position with hand grenades, persevering in his position with hand grenades, persevering in his mission until he had destroyed the weapon and killed its crew. His courageous fighting spirit and determination in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.