The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John W. Shea (MCSN: 348702), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Guide of Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 20 September 1944. When enemy machine-gun fire from high ground halted the advance of his platoon, Sergeant Shea led a squad in a quick flanking movement and succeeded in overrunning the hostile emplacement, killing the defenders and capturing the gun, thereby permitting the resumption of the advance. Subsequently assuming command when his platoon commander was mortally wounded in an assault against a steep coral ridge, he effected the capture of the position along the crest. His resolute action and firm leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.