The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Joseph T. Golding (MCSN: 0-8728), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 June 1944. Landing on the beach in the face of terrible fire from Japanese guns, Captain Golding, although wounded, immediately reorganized his men and drove inland, passing through assault units that were disorganized as a result of heavy casualties. Constantly exposing himself to enemy fire, he moved among his units despite the danger and, by his outstanding leadership and courageous conduct, quickly consolidated the beachhead in his sector before he was mortally wounded. His valiant devotion to duty and determined initiative were contributing factors in the success of a vital campaign and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.