The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant LeRoy L. Pinske (MCSN: 357479), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 8 July 1944. Skillfully organizing and controlling his unit, Platoon Sergeant Pinske efficiently led his men against a fierce counter attack of approximately 300 hostile troops and at a crucial moment in the engagement exposed himself to intense enemy machine gun, rifle fire and hand grenade explosions in order to direct our fire thereby contributing greatly to the repulse of the Japanese with heavy losses. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.