The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Philip Perri (MCSN: 372182), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a tank commander of Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 27 September 1944. When an entire infantry company was pinned down by intense hostile mortar and small arms fire, Sergeant Perri immediately commanded a tank dozer and leading a supporting column of friendly tanks forward, proceeded to fill in three anti-tank trenches directly across the path of our advancing tanks. Exposing himself to enemy gun fire, he directed the operation of his dozer blade and instructed his men in the delivery of accurate fire against hostile pill boxes flanking the trenches. With his turret periscope knocked out by enemy fire, Sergeant Perri continued to advance despite Japanese smoke grenades, returning fire against the enemy from the turret of his tank, thereby neutralizing hostile opposition and preventing the use of a heavier caliber weapon. By his initiative, courage and devotion to duty, Sergeant Perri upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.