The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Earl J. Schnoeker (MCSN: 459186), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Cannoneer of the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 7 July 1944. Braving heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, Corporal Schnoeker helped lay his sector’s artillery piece for deflection during direct fire on the enemy and remained at his post until the battery position was overrun by large hostile forces who were attacking from a range of less than one hundred yards. This action resulted in severe casualties to the attacking enemy and was material aid in the disruption of the Japanese advance and the stopping of the attack in the battalion area. His gallant fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Schnoeker and the United States Naval Service.