The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Stephen E. Powell (MCSN: 0-18195), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Ammunition Company, Fifth Field Depot. Supply Service, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the initial phase of the re-capture of Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. Exposing himself to hostile fire throughout the night, First Lieutenant Powell issued ammunition with the aid of a flashlight despite constant danger from enemy snipers. When a hostile demolitions party penetrated the outer defenses and threatened the ammunition dump, he organized and deployed his platoon to engage the Japanese troops and, by defeating them, averted destruction of vital supplies. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Unites States Naval Service.