The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Mack S. Markulis (MCSN: 355046), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 26 June 1944. Returning from a successful reconnaissance of strongly entrenched enemy guns and snipers retarding the advance of his company, Private First Class Markulis unhesitatingly volunteered to lead a demolition squad into the danger area to wipe out the opposition. Seriously wounded by fire from another hostile weapon before reaching the objective, he motioned his men to take cover then, advancing alone against the entrenchment, neutralized it with hand grenades, thereby saving the lives of the remainder of the patrol and enabling them to complete their mission. Succumbing to his wounds before help could reach him, Private First Class Markulis, by his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor, had contributed to the success of his company in attaining their objective, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.