The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Gordon R. Lopez (MCSN: 0-21796), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of an unarmed and unarmored Artillery-Observation Plane of Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands from 19 June to 9 July 1944, and on Tinian, Mariana Islands, from 16 to 31 July 1944. Spotting a friendly disabled tank while on a mission over enemy territory, First Lieutenant Lopez skillfully maneuvered his plane in such a manner as to frighten the hostile troops away, thereby saving the tank and its occupants. Undaunted when enemy troops infiltrated Aslito Airfield before dawn on 27 June and successfully fired two parked aircraft, he executed a take-off under the blazing guns of Japanese marksmen. Subsequently wounded while flying over enemy-held territory, First Lieutenant Lopez doggedly completed his mission, returned to his base and successfully landed his plane. His skill, courage and devotion to duty in the face of strong opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.