The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gene E. Schwein (MCSN: 426315), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity wile serving as a Fire-Team leader of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division,, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, 17 September 1944. When his platoon reached its objective, the summit of a steep coral ridge and heavy mortar, machine -gun and rifle fire immediately swept the position, causing many casualties, Private First Class Schwein moved forward without orders and, engaging an enemy machine gun, effectively silencing it by rifle fire, thereby enabling many casualties to be removed from the exposed slopes. Although wounded in this action, Private First Class Schwein assumed command upon himself to be the senior man remaining in the platoon and skillfully led his men in defending their position against heavy hostile counterattacks. His outstanding courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.