The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John L. McDonald (MCSN: 475505), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 8 June 1945. During the assault on a dominating hill, Private First Class McDonald’s platoon was pinned down by intense automatic fire, and the exposed flank assaulted by enemy troops. Boldly leading his fire team to the exposed flank, he gained fire superiority over the assaulting enemy and, running to within ten feet of the Japanese, killed eight of them with grenades and rifle fire. When his platoon was ordered to withdraw to its former position, he covered the retirement of his fire team withdrawing only after the last man had moved back. By his courage and loyal devotion to duty, Private McDonald upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.