The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Carleton Penn, II (MCSN: 0-29334), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an artillery forward observer attached to the Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 22 September 1944. Unable to find a position along the forward infantry lines from which to direct artillery fire for his battalion, Second Lieutenant Penn boldly advanced his observation party to a position several yards beyond the infantry lines, despite the fact that these lines and the ground over which he had to pass were subjected to intense enemy mortar and small arms fire. Wounded in taking his new position he continued his cool and efficient performance of duty until he was relieved and evacuated to the rear. His splendid initiative, courageous leadership and unswerving devotion to duty proved an inspiration to the men about him and reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Penn and the United States Naval Service.