The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Vincent J. Paskus (MCSN: 272449), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 8 and 9 July 1944. When his company was advancing rapidly over rough terrain and encountering heavy resistance, Platoon Sergeant Paskus skillfully organized all available personnel, including walking wounded, drivers and stretcher bearers to carry supplies to the front lines. Continuing to render valuable service, he assisted in routing Japanese soldiers from the many caves, crevices and pill boxes and, on one occasion, joined his company Commander in killing twenty-five enemy soldiers within fifteen minutes. Constantly under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, he contributed materially to the success of his company’s advance and was directly responsible for the immediate evacuation of twenty-eight wounded men. His courage, initiative and zealous devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.