The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Wilbur K. Mountz (MCSN: 369005), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, January 3, 1944. When intense enemy machine-gun fire from well-concealed positions inflicted heavy casualties upon the assault platoon of his company, Corporal Mountz unhesitatingly made his way through dense jungle underbrush and succeeded in extricating eight wounded men, removing them to a place of safety before he, himself, was fatally wounded. Corporal Mountz’s daring initiative and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice were instrumental in the saving of several lives and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.