The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wallace M. Holt (MCSN: 824479), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian Island, Marianas Group on 25 July 1944. When a live hand grenade was thrown into a foxhole that sheltered him and a severely wounded companion, Private First Class Holt boldly picked up the missile and, attempting to throw it back at the enemy suffered serious body wounds and the loss of his hand when it exploded. By his daring initiative, selfless efforts and indomitable courage, Private First Class Holt upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.