The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Max L. Greathouse (MCSN: 337274), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Group Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 9 July 1944. When the advance of his company was halted by hostile riflemen emplaced in three caves commanding the beach, Private First Class Greathouse voluntarily exposed himself to intense enemy fire to lead and direct a flame thrower tank forward of the front lines, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of the three caves and fifteen defending Japanese soldiers. Subsequently directing the vehicle to a cave in an adjoining company area, he eliminated the opposition which was halting that company’s advance. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.