The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Francis E. Runyan, Jr. (MCSN: 452733), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Squad Leader of the Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marinas Islands, on 8 July 1944. Braving intense hostile rifle fire and grenade attacks from a deeply entrenched enemy to aid a wounded comrade, Sergeant Runyan unhesitatingly charged forward with only a light machine gun and, by his initiative and expert marksmanship, succeeded in halting the advance and driving back the Japanese, thereby enabling others to effect the rescue of the stricken man. His inspiring perseverance, indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to duty throughout this extremely hazardous action reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Runyan and the United States Naval Service.