The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer Curtis E. Coker (MCSN: 0-33637), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Communications Platoon of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 18 May 1945. While carrying out a reconnaissance mission for a command post location, Warrant Officer Coker entered an abandoned enemy dugout in company with another officer to determine the possibility of its use for command post installations. When a cleverly concealed grenade booby trap was ignited, he unhesitatingly picked up the grenade and throwing it into a far corner of the dugout immediately dropped to the ground between his companion and the deadly missile. Although the subsequent explosion severely wounded his hand Warrant Officer Coker was responsible for shielding his comrade and those outside the enclosure from possible injury or death. His prompt and courageous action in the face of grave personal risk was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.