The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Sidney B. Garland (MCSN: 0-39535), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 10 May 1945. Encountering heavy fire from an enemy-held ridge during an attack, Second Lieutenant Garland moved ahead and repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire to lead his men forward until the enemy position was overrun and destroyed. Observing that the leader of an adjacent platoon was wounded, he immediately took charge, skillfully organizing and directing the men to advantageous positions from which they could fire upon the Japanese. Shortly afterward, while pinned down by a heavy enemy artillery and mortar barrage, he supervised the withdrawal of both units and constantly braved the hostile fire to assist in the evacuation of numerous casualties. His outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.