The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John H. Landen (MCSN: 0-14005), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Communications Officer of the Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Landing on Peleliu shortly after the assault waves, First Lieutenant Landen was engaged in reconnoitering the Battalion positions when his party came under fire from a well-concealed, hostile machine gun. Organizing a small group, he personally directed a tank against the enemy weapon and was responsible for the destruction of the hostile gun and its crew. Later, when enemy troops opened fire from a pillbox on the Battalion landing, he joined in the assault on this position armed only with a pistol and, despite wounds sustained during this action continued to participate in the attack, thereby aiding materially in the destruction of the hostile entrenchment and in annihilating its occupants. His indomitable fighting spirit, efficient leadership and courageous devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire reflect great credit on First Lieutenant Landen and the United States Naval Service.