The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Oscar E. Neumann (MCSN: 365443), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 20 June 1944. Following a terrific night explosion which set ablaze an ammunition dump, Gunnery Sergeant Neumann realized that the spreading fire would soon ignite larger stores of dynamite, TNT, mortar and artillery demolitions and, calling for volunteers, unhesitatingly entered the danger area where he worked desperately to isolate the menacing flames and supervise the fire-fighting detail until mortally wounded by a second tremendous explosion. Gunnery Sergeant Neumann’s heroic efforts and fearless courage in the face of imminent peril and his unfaltering devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.