The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John W. Lavezzo (MCSN: 487823), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands, 31 July 1944. Upon returning from a voluntary patrol to locate points of resistance in hostile territory. Corporal Lavezzo found that one of the men had been wounded and a tank stopped by heavy Japanese machine-gun rifle fire. Unhesitatingly rushing into an open field under withering enemy fire, he dragged the wounded man to a position of comparative safety behind the disabled tank, valiantly remaining with his companion and the crippled tank to give covering fire until reinforcements arrived. Unselfishly disregarding his own safety throughout, Corporal Lavezzo was fatally wounded 2 August while trying to neutralize a cave. His intrepid courage under fire and his unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.