The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John L. Lockwood (MCSN: 407616), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Company B, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 June 1944. When hi LCT developed a dangerous list to port upon approaching the beach, Sergeant Lockwood unhesitatingly volunteered to take a position on the lighters starboard gunwhale despite the danger from heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire falling between the lighter and the beach. Steadfastly maintaining his stand until seriously wounded by an enemy shell, he gallantly risked his life in an effort to keep the craft from capsizing. His cool courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.