The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Henry D. Palencsar (MCSN: 911774), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands on 2 August 1944. As a member of a platoon suddenly taken under fire at close range by Japanese concealed in numerous caves and in tangle of thick undergrowth, Private Palencsar immediately engaged the enemy and using his automatic rifle with great effectiveness, concentrated his fire on a Japanese emplacement whose rifle and machine gun fire had pinned down his unit and delayed its advance. Succeeding momentarily in containing the enemy, Private Palencsar enabled his platoon to maneuver into attack position and continued to engage the Japanese by standing upright and fighting in an exposed area until he sustained a mortal wound. His daring initiative, superb courage and outstanding devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Private Palencsar and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.