The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John W. LaBombard (MCSN: 524064), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Gunner in a Machine-Gun Squad serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during the assault and occupation of enemy Japanese-held Saipan in the Mariana Islands from 15 June to 12 July 1944. When his squad leader was killed by a sudden burst of Japanese machine-gun fire from a concealed position while investigating a series of immediately ordered the remainder of the squad to a protected firing position and fearlessly advanced in the open toward the cliff until the enemy again opened fire. With the hostile position thus exposed, he directed his rifle fire against the emplacements and succeeded in killing three Japanese before he fell, mortally wounded. By his aggressive initiative and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice, Private First Class LaBombard enabled his squad to locate and overcome an obstinate point of resistance, thereby contributing materially to the crushing of the enemy’s final struggles in this area. His personal valor and unwavering devotion to duty throughout a period of intensive combat operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.