The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John J. Flanagan (MCSN: 422940), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Cannoneer of the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 7 July 1944. While enemy troops were attacking the battery coalition at a range of less than a hundred yards, Private First Class Flanagan assisted in laying his section’s artillery piece for deflection and, in the face of hostile machine-gun and rifle fire, remained at his post until the battery position was overrun by superior enemy forces. This determined opposition resulted in the infliction of severe casualties on the attacking Japanese and greatly aided in repulsing the attack in the battalion area. His courage, gallant spirit of service and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First class Flanagan and the United States Naval Service.