The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Joseph B. Palmer (MCSN: 0-15567), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as platoon leader attached to the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 17 June 1944. Bold and courageous under hazardous combat conditions, First Lieutenant Palmer personally led his platoon in a vigorous assault upon a strategic enemy hill and when his company commander was killed and the second in command seriously wounded while directing the fire of supporting tanks against well concealed hostile positions, unhesitatingly advanced under an intense barrage from enemy weapons and continued to control the fire until he himself was fatally wounded. First Lieutenant Palmer’s daring initiative and great personal valor in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.