The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Harold Jay Collis (MCSN: 0-20656), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Company Executive Officer attached to the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 4 October 1944. When one of the platoons of his company was attempting to withdraw from an untenable position and suffering severe casualties from enemy weapons which controlled the route of withdrawal, First Lieutenant Collis unhesitatingly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to throw smoke grenades and provide an effective screen for the evacuation of the wounded. Completely disregarding his own personal safety he rushed into a fire-swept ravine and while working to remove casualties was himself mortally wounded. First Lieutenant Collins’ splendid initiative and unselfish devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.