The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Eugene T. Schoenfelder (MCSN: 0-7673), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operations Officer of the First Engineering Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. When his battalion came under a determined hostile counterattack which created much confusion within the unit, and several officers and men , including the Company Commander became casualties, Major Schoenfelder immediately assumed command and, in the face of heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire, courageously moved from position to position, shouting words of encouragement and issuing the necessary orders for our defense. By his quick actions , he effected a complete reorganization of his troops and contributed greatly to the repulse of the Japanese counterattack with a minimum loss of life. Major Scheenfelder’s initiative , fortitude and aggressive fighting spirit throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.