The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Louis J. Mendel (MCSN: 326991), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Weapons Company, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 8 July 1944. When four machine guns of a rifle company were rendered useless by hostile fire, Private First Class Mendel gained the assistance of another member of his half-track crew and, unhesitatingly volunteering to remove a machine gun from his vehicle, successfully reinforced the depleted company lines. During the fierce enemy counterattack which followed, he courageously fought and killed many of the attacking Japanese, thereby contributing greatly to the repulse of the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.