The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John F. Rau, Jr. (MCSN: 0-28510), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Forward Observer of Battery C, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 21 and 22 June 1944. Moving into woods ahead of the battery’s position to adjust artillery fire, Second Lieutenant Rau braved small-arms fire and grenades from counterattacking enemy forces to direct fire on the enemy throughout the night and, although wounded, led his forward observation party in fighting off enemy snipers and at the same time directed the evacuation of a wounded Marine despite darkness and enemy cross-fire. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Rau and the United States Naval Service.