The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Roland R. Dean (MCSN: 906114), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 7 May 1945. When the attack of his company against a strongly-defended enemy ridge was checked by a barrage of grenades coming from the forward slope of the ridge, Private First Class Dean coolly walked up to the crest of the ridge under intense hostile fire and, throwing grenades down on the enemy troops, forced them to retreat into caves, thereby enabling his company to occupy the ridge, outflank the hostile position and destroy it. Although seriously wounded while neutralizing the hostile position, he refused to be evacuated until the strong point was destroyed. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.