The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ernest W. Grundy, Jr. (MCSN: 526082), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Flame Thrower Operator of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 16 September 1944. Serving with an assault Squad during the attack against a formidable coral ridge when the right flank platoon was pinned down by intense enemy machine-gun and rifle fire from caves and concrete emplacements on the ridge, Private First Class Grundy braved the heavy volume of fire directed at him and, fully aware that his assault team could not cover him, moved forward to an exposed position at the mouth of the forward cave and brought his flame thrower into action, inflicting heavy casualties upon the Japanese and wiping out three strong emplacements. By his outstanding courage and aggressive fighting spirit, Private First Class Grundy enabled his company to complete its mission, and his conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.