The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Bernard C. Schellhase (MCSN: 346042), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 27 June 1944. With his platoon leader a casualty during an extremely bitter fire fight with a fanatic enemy, Platoon Sergeant Schellhase promptly assumed command and, skillfully reorganized his men under unceasing hostile fire, led them in a determined, relentless attack. Seriously wounded in the early stages of the battle, he continued in the fight, fearlessly carrying on until all of the enemy had been killed or routed. By his forceful and determined leadership, outstanding fortitude and cool courageous action in the face of grave peril, Platoon Sergeant Schellhase contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital Japanese stronghold, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.