The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Peter Marvin Ritsema (MCSN: 404670), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau Group on 19 September 1944. With all wire teams vitally engaged in maintaining constant communications throughout the battalion’s position during a furious assault on a strongly entrenched enemy position in the southwestern sector, Corporal Ritsema voluntarily undertook the extremely hazardous mission of repairing frequent breaks in the communication lines of a company fiercely beset by continuous, devastating barrages of enemy machine-gun and rifle fire. Pushing his way over difficult terrain in an area heavily infested with Japanese snipers, he engaged in his vital task and, working skillfully and with tenacious determination, steadfastly continued his valiant efforts until mortally wounded by a savage burst of hostile machine-gun fire. By his fearless initiative, unfailing technical ability and cool decision in the face of fantastic opposition, Corporal Ritsema contributed materially to the success of our operations against this important Japanese stronghold, and his indomitable courage throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.