The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Frederick J. Hibbard, Jr. (MCSN: 351181), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Fire Team in Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 15-17 September 1944. During three furious enemy counter attacks on friendly positions, Corporal Hibbard boldly led his unit in the face of intense hostile machine gun, rifle and mortar fire and personally delivered devastating fire to account for many Japanese troops with an automatic rifle he had seized after his rifleman was wounded. ON the morning of 16 September, when his squad leader became a casualty, he unhesitatingly assumed command, skillfully directing the squad throughout the remainder of the operation and contributing directly to the final repulse and annihilation of the hostile forces. His daring initiative, outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty despite grave danger reflect great credit upon Corporal Hibbard and the United States Naval Service.