The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Louis J. Shemas (MCSN: 421524), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan, in the Marianas, on 15 June 1955. Immediately taking command when his squad leader was wounded while disposing his men during the initial assault phase, Private First Class Shemas put his machine gun into action and, while awaiting fire-orders, removed his wounded squad leader and another wounded Marine from the exposed area, rendering medical aid despite the intense Japanese machine gun and rifle fire maintained against his position. Then, effectively directing his machine gun against the enemy’s positions, he succeeded in freeing rifle platoons which were pinned down by the overwhelming barrages from Japanese guns, enabling them to maneuver into position and silence the enemy emplacement. With this vital mission completed, he fearlessly proceeded through an open fireswept area in an attempt to communicate with his section leader but was fatally struck down before reaching his objective. By his forceful initiative, determined aggressiveness and expert professional skill, Private First Class Shemas contributed materially to the success of our assault operations against this vital Japanese stronghold, and his valiant devotion duty throughout the fierce hostilities reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.