The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph Paul Luciak (MCSN: 332986), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving as Runner of an assault platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in action against armed enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. With his platoon pinned down in a tank trap by intense, concentrated enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, Private First Class Luciak voluntarily risked his life to carry an important message through a two-hundred yard open area to the rear company command post. Boldly exposing himself to the withering barrage, he unhesitatingly pressed forward but was mortally wounded while carrying out his perilous mission. His daring aggressiveness, indomitable fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.