The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Benjamin F. Gahr (MCSN: 238886), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, 20 June 1944. Displaying superb courage and complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Gahr heroically entered an ammunition dump during an explosion and resulting fire and strove desperately to isolate the flames threatening further large stores of dynamite, artillery and mortar ammunition until he was killed by a second explosion. Sergeant Gahr’s valor and unselfish spirit in unhesitatingly risking his life in the performance of a dangerous duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.