The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John J. Magurie (MCSN: 348812), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 19 and 20 September 1944. An alert and aggressive member of a ten-man group of a rifle company who were defending an exposed ridge against violent counter-attacks, Private First Class Maguire fearlessly made his way to the only machine gun in his position after it had been put out of action and the gunner and assistant gunner seriously wounded. Although he was not a machine gunner, he succeeded in repairing the gun and, by his accurate fire, contributed to the repulse of a heavy Japanese counter attack. When an enemy grenade again blew the gun from its position, Private First Class Maguire once more risked his life to reassemble and man the weapon, continuing to fire until he was wounded and the gun damaged beyond repair. His daring actions, cool courage and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who witnessed them and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval service.