The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John J. Jakubov (MCSN: 343724), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Rifle Squad of Company B, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 24 June 1944. When his unit was counterattacked by an overwhelming Japanese force of approximately seventy men, Corporal Jakubov skillfully maneuvered his squad into position and directed fire upon the enemy. Although severely wounded twice during the encounter, he refused to be evacuated and continued to deliver heavy fire upon the hostile forces, causing their withdrawal with heavy losses. His outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.