The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John J. Eddy (MCSN: 0-16811), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader, attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, on 26 July 1944. Promptly assuming the leadership of all his company’s platoons when the other platoon leaders had been killed or wounded during the battle of Fonte Hill, First Lieutenant Eddy boldly proceeded along the lines of his own and adjacent units through intense hostile mortar, rifle and machine-gun fire and, directing and encouraging his men in the defense of their threatened position, succeeded in repulsing seven vicious Japanese counter-attacks in his sector. With the last enemy assault rolled back by the gallant Marines, First Lieutenant Eddy led a patrol of sixteen men against the Japanese entrenched on a strategic hill vital to the maintenance of his company’s lines, fighting furiously throughout the attack and recapturing the strongly fortifies position with the few men of his patrol who survived the treacherous barrages of the defending hostile troops. By his fearless leadership, indomitable spirit and unwavering devotion to duty during combat with the ruthless and fanatic enemy, First Lieutenant Eddy contributed immeasurably to the success of our valiant forces on Guam. His courageous conduct reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.