The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Hugo Anthony Maiorana (MCSN: 0-38437), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader, attached to Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against Japanese forces on Okinawa Gunto, Ruykyu Retto, 23 April 1945. When the leading platoon was attacked by strong hostile machine-gun and rifle fire, Second Lieutenant Maiorana gallantly led his platoon forward in an effort to annihilate the enemy and enable his company to continue its advance. Dauntless in the face of grave danger, he repeatedly exposed himself to withering hostile fire throughout successive engagements in order to direct a supporting machine-gun squad into position and, despite a severe wound received while carrying an injured man to safety, continued to direct the fire of his men until mortally wounded. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor, Second Lieutenant Maiorana contributed materially to the saving of many lives and to the success of his company in carrying out its mission. His self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Navy. He gallantly gave his life for his country.