The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Henry F. Knaak (MCSN: 498480), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 14 June 1945. When a white phosphorous grenade fell among a group of wounded men, Platoon Sergeant Knaak unhesitatingly picked up the missile although well aware of the split-second action required to prevent the shell from exploding within the immediate vicinity. Severely burned when the grenade exploded before he could throw it clear, Platoon Sergeant Knaak, by his outstanding courage, daring initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of others, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.