The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John D. Carlisle (MCSN: 0-28355), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, Eleventh Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Third Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, on action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. Shortly before midnight when the enemy laid down a heavy mortar concentration on the company bivouac area, killing both the Company Commander and Executive Officer, Second Lieutenant Carlisle immediately assumed command of the company and, by personally locating places of safety for the company’s tractors, saved many of the vehicles from destruction. Then, continuing his inspiring leadership, he supervised the evacuation of the dead and wounded from the area. By his courageous devotion to duty while under intense hostile fire, Second Lieutenant Carlisle upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.