The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Arthur E. LaMontagne, Jr. (MCSN: 526609), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of an Artillery Forward Observation Party serving with the Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, Guam, Mariana Islands, 26 July 1944. Discovering at daybreak that a large number of enemy forces had broken through our front lines and were moving toward our positions from the rear, Private First Class LaMontagne, with his party, attempted to warn the infantry of the impending peril and, when attacked by a group of Japanese, killed three of the enemy and dispersed the remainder, thereafter proceeding under heavy small arms fire to the infantry lines. As the Japanese attacked from several directions, he fought courageously with rifle and grenades, materially assisting in repulsing the enemy, and subsequently accompanying casualties across an open area to the Battalion aid station, steadfastly maintained his position and provided accurate and effective covering fire for his companions until fatally wounded by another mortar shell. By his inspiring conduct and unselfish efforts, Private First Class LaMontagne enabled the wounded to reach the aid station safely, and his indomitable fighting spirit throughout this hazardous period was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.