The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John P. Roe (MCSN: 460813), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Intelligence Section of the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 28 and 29 September 1944. Observing the enemy attempting to make a landing on the flank of one of our companies, Private First Class Poe immediately braved the intense small-arms, machine-gun and mortar fire to swim from his forward observation post to amphibian tractors approximately one hundred yards offshore. Directing the vehicle’s fire against the enemy after his arrival, he contributed materially to the success with which the attack was broken up. Working his way to the side of a wounded comrade the following day, he succeeded in carrying him to safety under heavy Japanese machine-gun fire. His outstanding courage, devotion to duty and grave concern for the welfare of others were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.