The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Bernard J. Maag, Jr. (MCSN: 286935), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with in Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the island of New Britain, Bismarck Archipelago, on 30 December 1943. During repeated early morning attacks on the defensive installations of his company, Private First Class Maag moved into the Observation Post pit and connecting trench, engaging the enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Although wounded in the encounter, he then assisted in manning a light machine gun, counterattacking and recapturing the position in the face of shattering hostile fire. When the gun was set up and the enemy again charged the pit, he steadfastly held his position and drove them off, killing one who entered the emplacement in a savage hand-to-hand conflict, thereby contributing directly to the final repulse of the hostile assault. His daring initiative, outstanding courage and valiant fighting spirit in the face of vicious hostile fire reflect great credit upon Private First Class Maag and the United States Naval Service.