The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant John Rachitsky (MCSN: 295848), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in actions against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 17 June 1944. Taking command of his unit when the platoon leader was wounded and evacuated during his company’s relentless advance, Platoon Sergeant Rachitsky subsequently returned to the forward squads of his platoon after directing his reserve squad in destroying a sniper’s nest and, finding the advance units engaged in a bitter fire fight, daringly reconnoitered the enemy position and deployed his men in a maneuver to wipe out the hostile emplacement. Although he was fatally wounded by Japanese sniper fire during this action, many of the enemy were killed and their position destroyed as a result of his direction. By his forceful leadership, superior tactical ability and indomitable fighting spirit, Platoon Sergeant Rachitsky contributed essentially to his company’s continued advance and to the ultimate conquest of this vital Japanese stronghold. His cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly give his life for his country.