The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Earl C. Graff (MCSN: 454650), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the battle for Nidual River Pass on Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. When his platoon was pinned down by withering fire from an enemy machine gun emplaced in a cave guarding the approaches to the Pass, Private First Class Graff unhesitatingly crawled for a distance of fifteen yards through the intense barrage from Japanese weapons in a valiant effort to destroy the hostile position. Although seriously wounded by an enemy grenade, he steadfastly continued his advance and, fighting with forceful determination, succeeded in killing two of the Japanese and in silencing the hostile weapon before he was mortally wounded by a second enemy hand grenade. By his daring initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Graff enabled his platoon to free the Nidual River Pass of enemy opposition and to secure the beachhead. His selfless efforts throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.