The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant John T. McDonald (MCSN: 307740), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 18 June 1944. Unhesitatingly assuming command of his platoon after the leader and platoon sergeant had become casualties, Sergeant McDonald boldly led a vigorous assault on an enemy strong point which had been holding up the company advance, repeatedly exposing himself to relentless and accurate Japanese fire in order to control his unit effectively. Mortally wounded in this encounter, Sergeant McDonald, by his outstanding initiative and cool courage in the face of Japanese guns, had contributed materially to the success of our vital mission on this island, and his selfless, unfaltering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.