The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Stanley D. Popeleski (MCSN: 304123), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a forward observer serving with Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 30 June 1944. Accompanied by a wireman and a patrol, Corporal Popeleski crossed an enemy held ridge and moved to a point on the reverse slope well in the rear of the enemy positions directing destructive mortar fire on an ammunition dump, emplacements and troop concentrations for many hours and completely baffling the enemy with the sudden shifting of repeated concentration of mortar fire. When the enemy finally closed I on the observation post, Corporal Popeleski allowed five minutes for withdrawal and had a heavy concentration delivered at this point thereby causing further heavy losses to the bewildered enemy and enabling his group to reach our lines despite enemy machine gun and rifle fire. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.