The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John A. Fisher (MCSN: 953139), United States Marine Corps, 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, 5 May 1945. During the evacuation of casualties under heavy enemy fire, Private First Class Fisher covered the body of a wounded Marine with his own when a phosphorus shell exploded nearby. Despite the extreme pain of numerous burns, he remained with the wounded man while phosphorus shells continued to burst nearby and protected him until he was evacuated. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.