The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Rollin E. Postlewaite (MCSN: 281607), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a light machine gun squad leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps during action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi and Parry Islands, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands on 18, 22 and 23 February 1944. Courageously directing his light machine gun squad in the front lines on Engebi Island, Private First Class Postlewaite displayed outstanding leadership in accomplishing his assigned mission. When his platoon suffered heavy casualties on 22 February at Parry Island including the platoon leader and platoon sergeant, he braved faced heavy machine gun and mortar fire to organize the remaining men and push the attack forward. Though his machine gun was destroyed by enemy action, Private First Class Postlewaite gallantly led his men forward as riflemen and succeeded in gallantly led his men forward as riflemen and succeeded in holding the right flank of the company against hostile counter attacks. His cool courage, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.