The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Forrest A. Oldenburg (MCSN: 307947), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 11 October 1944. Vigilantly standing watch when an enemy grenade was thrown into his squad’s position during an attempted infiltration by the Japanese through the defensive sector which he was guarding, Private First Class Oldenburg unhesitatingly picked up the grenade and attempted to throw it back at the enemy. Although painfully wounded by the grenade as it exploded in the air, he steadfastly refused evacuation and continued to stand watch until ordered to the rear by his Platoon Leader. By his heroic action, he saved the other members of his squad from possible injury or death. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.