The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph Ninham (MCSN: 326668), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 19 June 1944. Observing his platoon leader struck down by a devastating blast of hostile fire during a bitter fire fight waged against deeply entrenched hostile troops, Private First Class Ninham unhesitatingly risked his life to proceed to the dangerously exposed position where the officer lay helpless and, making a valiant attempt to evacuate the wounded man, was himself instantly killed by a merciless burst of Japanese machine-gun fire while carrying out his voluntary mission. By his daring initiative, resolute determination and aggressive fighting spirit during a period of fierce hostilities, Private First Class Ninham contributed materially to the success of our operations against this vital Japanese stronghold, and his undaunted courage and self-sacrificing conduct on behalf of another upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.