The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Max D. Schilling (MCSN: 357648), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Flamethrower Operator of Company I Third Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 Mat 1945. Unable to use his flame thrower during a fierce attack on Sugar Loaf Hill in which most of his company’s automatic weapons were destroyed or rendered useless, Private First Class Schilling on his own initiative , abandoned his flame thrower, secured an automatic rifle from a casualty, and took a position on the line after forcing his way up the hill. From this position he delivered intense automatic rifle fire upon the enemy despite devastating return hostile fire. Although wounded during the ensuing enemy counterattack, he continued to hold the position while his company effected a temporary withdrawal, covering the evacuation of all casualties. His aggressive fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty were contributing factors in the eventual seizure of this important terrain feature. His gallant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.