The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John F. Ross, Jr. (MCSN: 0-8496), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces on Tinian, Marinas Islands, from 24 July to 1 August 1944. Landing on D-Day with his company in the first wave of infantry, Captain Ross courageously led his men through intense hostile rifle and machine-gun fire which wounded the Company Executive Officer and inflicted other casualties. When the entire group was pinned down under a ledge overhanging the beach, he fearlessly exposed himself to the accurate enemy fire to urge his men forward. Effecting a rapid reorganization, after advancing several hundred yards, he made possible the landing of his Battalion and the subsequent establishment of a strong regimental beachhead. By his personal bravery, determination and aggressive leadership, Captain Ross upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.