The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Johnny R. Dean (MCSN: 273000), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 8 July 1944. The company of which First Sergeant Dean was a member forced a line within a few yards of the northwest coast of Saipan where several hundred enemy soldiers were hiding in caves on the beach. Numerous times First Sergeant Dean climbed down among the caves, searching out enemy positions and killing a counted total of thirty-one enemy soldiers. He then led demolition teams to the caves to destroy the enemy positions. His courage, skill, and tenacity contributed greatly to the success of the company’s mission. His gallant disregard for his own safety and his heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.