The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jack D. Freer (MCSN: 981441), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, Firs Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Onawa, Ryukyu Islands, 9 May 1945. During a severe enemy night counterattack, Private First class Freer joined several other Marines to proceed to the aid of a wounded comrade. When an enemy hand grenade was thrown in the midst of their group while rendering aid to the casualty, he immediately recovered the missile and hurled it from the foxhole where it exploded harmlessly and returned to assist in carrying his comrade to safety under continuing hostile fire. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.