The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Harold F. Jaster (MCSN: 347149), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Leader of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 17 September 1944. While leading his squad up a coral ridge under a rain of enemy hand grenades which was causing heavy casualties, Corporal Jaster saw an enemy grenade falling toward his men. With great courage and presence of mind, he quickly moved forward, caught the grenade in mid-air, and hurled it back at the enemy where it exploded. By his heroic action, he undoubtedly prevented additional casualties to his squad and enabled his men to get their gun in position. His gallant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.