The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph E. Saracino (MCSN: 804460), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Browning Automatic Rifleman, serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 19 May 1945. With his platoon pinned down by a shattering barrage of hostile fire emanating from a machine-gun nest entrenched on commanding ground, Private First Class Saracino voluntarily risked his life in a valiant attempt to wipe out the resistance. Fearlessly exposing himself to the withering shellfire, he courageously made his way across thirty yards of open terrain to the elevated position and, delivering a deadly rain of bullets against the emplacement, destroyed the crew and then continued firing to account for seven more of the enemy as they attempted to re-man the weapon. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and aggressive determination in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Saracino enabled his platoon to advance and contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital Japanese stronghold. His courageous efforts throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.