The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Edward F. McGilvery (MCSN: 0-22144), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader attached to Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 17 June 1944. With his platoon assigned Hill 70 as its objective, Second Lieutenant McGilvery led a bold and aggressive charge up the sloping terrain to the hill’s summit and, meeting treacherous cross-fire from two enemy machine guns, proceeded to reorganize his men when the Japanese attacked and closed in for hand to hand combat. Fighting vigorously during the ensuing melee, he shot and killed two of the enemy with his carbine before the weapon jammed and rendered him virtually defenseless in this perilous encounter. Although he was severely wounded by a third Japanese soldier, Second Lieutenant McGilvery seized his assailant by the throat and, maintaining a firm grasp as they tumbled down the hill together, succeeded in choking the enemy to death. His alert presence of mind, indomitable spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were inspiring to the men of his platoon combating ruthless and fanatic hostile forces, and his courageous conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant McGilvery and the United States Naval Service.