The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major John H. Gustafson (MCSN: 0-6682), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Ngesebus Palau Islands, on 28 and 29 September 1944. After careful formulation of his plans, Major Gustafson personally assumed charge of the assault waves to lead the attack from exposed positions and, although wounded by shrapnel and subjected to severe hostile fire during this engagement, continued directing his Battalion’s movements in rapid advancing drives to crush the heavy enemy resistance. His outstanding courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.