The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Arthur T. Metras (MCSN: 275376), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Operator of an Antitank Rocket Launcher of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 15 June 1944. When the enemy counterattacked his position in force during the night, Sergeant Metras promptly left the comparative safety of his foxhole in company with another Marine and, boldly advancing through unceasing cross-fire in relentless pursuit of two hostile tanks, succeeded in disabling both vehicles by effective fire. Sergeant Metras’ daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and gallant fighting spirit in the face of grave peril were contributing factors in the success of an extremely critical phase of the operation and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.