The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant John M. Kozak (MCSN: 261677), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Member of a Combat Patrol of Units serving with the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, January 26, 1944. When his unit was ambushed and one Marine seriously wounded while voluntarily leading a reconnaissance patrol deep into hostile territory, Gunnery Sergeant Kozak courageously advanced to within thirty yards of the Japanese lines and successfully removed his wounded comrade to a protected position. Promptly returning to the fire fight, he repeatedly exposed himself to a ruthless enemy to direct the fire of his men and, after inflicting heavy casualties on Japanese troops, withdrew his unit to safety. Returning to the scene of ambush, Gunnery Sergeant Kozak obtained accurate information regarding terrain and the location of hostile machine-gun emplacements vital to the completion of his patrol’s mission. His valiant fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty with complete disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.