The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Werner Ruszat (MCSN: 285212), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader serving with the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. When his platoon was subjected to sudden and devastating fire from an enemy heavy machine gun emplaced in coral rock during an attack by our troops to extend the initial beachhead, Corporal Ruszat unhesitatingly sought out and engaged the Japanese weapon, subsequently closing heroically on the emplacement and destroying the gun crew with his bayonet and grenades. Although mortally wounded in this action, he steadfastly maintained an exposed position in the front lines for several minutes and directed the fire of his squad until he collapsed. Corporal Ruszat’s brilliant initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.