The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Loreen A. O. Nelson (MCSN: 0-9058), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while in Command of a 75-mm. self-propelled gun attached to the Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan Island, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 8 July 1944. Valiantly participating in initial landing operations on Saipan in the face of terrific enemy fire, Captain Nelson rendered gallant service during the occupation of this strategically important island. While his unit was advancing to support an attack on 8 July, he moved forward on reconnaissance and , located a pocket of hostile resistance, attacked with one of his gun squads, capturing and evacuating ten Japanese prisoners. Proceeding forward to point out a large center of resistance to the supporting infantry and his commander, he was seriously wounded by small arms fire from hostile emplacement but continued to issue orders for the control of his unit until he was evacuated. By his unwavering devotion to duty and aggressive determination despite heavy enemy opposition, Captain Nelson contributed materially to the success of this vital campaign. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.