The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Larry R. Gale (MCSN: 0-17245), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Forward Observer, attached to the Third Battalion, Fourteenth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, 15 June to 8 August 1944. Directing the fire of his battalion with skill and accuracy, First Lieutenant Gale aided in repulsing two enemy counterattacks and in destroying three enemy batteries and several mortar positions as well as many enemy personnel. While on a reconnaissance of enemy-held territory on 10 July, he boldly stepped into the open to draw hostile fire away from a wounded man until he could be moved to safety. His superb courage and valiant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Gale and the United States Naval Service.