The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Mynard G. Deeds (MCSN: 448483), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 16 June 1944. Unhesitatingly volunteering to lead his men in a flanking movement when his platoon encountered an enemy strongpoint during a perilous advance, Private First Class Deeds valiantly pressed forward under a withering, intense barrage of hostile fire and charged the Japanese position, thereby relieving the fire on the rest of his platoon and enabling them to continue their advance against the enemy. Although mortally wounded during the fierce action, Private First Class Deeds, by his daring initiative and valiant fighting spirit, had contributed materially to the success of our forces in this hazardous operation, and his courageous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.