The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Harold L. Rugh (MCSN: 343850), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Tank Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Subjected to intense hostile mortar and small-arms fire during a drive to secure possession of an enemy airfield, Sergeant Rugh voluntarily sprang forward in front of our tanks to lead them over a heavily mined field and mark cut a lane through which they could advance, thereby contributing materially to the success with which the vehicles attacked and overcame strong enemy resistance. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty in the face of the strong hostile barrage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.