The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Paul A. Pergamo (MCSN: 354687), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau Group on 18 September 1944. With his squad pinned down by a merciless barrage of Japanese machine gun fire while engaged in clearing out obstinate pockets of resistance in the southern sector, Sergeant Pergamo unhesitatingly advanced to the aid of a seriously wounded Marine lying helpless I the lane of enemy fire and defying the deadly volleys from Japanese guns succeeded in removing his comrade from the immediate danger area. Severely wounded while carrying out his voluntary mission, Sergeant Pergamo, by his daring initiative, prompt action and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of extreme peril, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.