The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Henry W. Emich (MCSN: 518763), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving the Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 15 June 1944. With his platoon pinned down during fierce hostilities against the enemy on D-Day, Private First class Emich fearlessly exposed himself to the intense barrage to gain an advantageous firing position directly in front of the emplacement. Although mortally wounded during the bitter action, he continued drawing all hostile fire to himself and relentlessly engaged the enemy until his squad could flank and destroy the Japanese strong point. By his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and selfless devotion to the completion of an extremely perilous mission, Private First Class Emich serves as an inspiration to his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.