The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Emil R. Cigoi (MCSN: 397892), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of a Demolition Team serving with the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island in the Palau Group from 15 to 18 September 1944. With the entire demolition team put out of action during the critical stage of the initial landing, Private First Class Cigoi unhesitatingly volunteered to act as runner in an effort to bring up tanks urgently needed to frustrate the enemy’s tank led opposition and making numerous trips to the rear under continuous hostile artillery, mortar and small arms fire, guided the vital tanks into position thereby assisting materially in smashing the Japanese counterstroke. Subsequently, during the attack across the airfield through enemy artillery and mortar barrages, Private First Class Cigoi repeatedly carried inter-platoon messages of essential importance in maintaining the organization of the platoon and in advancing he attack but was killed while performing one of these voluntary missions. His daring initiative, great personal valor and unwavering devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.