The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard J. Sajtar (MCSN: 801722), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader of Company C, First battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 13 May 1945. When his squad was taken under hostile automatic weapon and mortar fire during an attack on a strongly-fortified enemy position located on a high ridge, Corporal Sajtar, although painfully wounded by shell fragments, refused to leave his squad until the other casualties were evacuated and, upon learning of a shortage of ammunition in his squad, made three trips through intense enemy fire to secure ammunition necessary to the continuation of the attack. Weakened by loss of blood and the strenuous exertion of carrying ammunition, he remained with his squad until ordered to return to the aid station for medical attention. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.