The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John G. Donahue (MCSN: 405389), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a machine Gun Squad of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Group, 15 June 1944. Defying intense enemy artillery fire, Private First Class Donahue voluntarily made three 1600-yard trips to and from the beach to bring up a heavy machine gun and necessary ammunition. Manning his gun, the only heavy one on the line that night, he rendered valiant assistance in repelling a strong enemy counterattack, destroying many of the enemy and holding the beachhead line. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Donahue and the United States Naval Service.