The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph C. Shesky (MCSN: 401964), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Chief of a Machine-Gun Section of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 6 May 1945. When the platoon adjoining his was pinned down by intense hostile machine-gun and mortar fire while advancing against an enemy-held hill, Corporal Shesky unhesitatingly advanced to an exposed position in order to draw the enemy fire and thereby discover their location. Then, returning fire, he kept his gun in action, although seriously wounded, until his company reached a more advantageous position. By his cool and aggressive conduct, he enabled his comrades to overrun the objective and continue their advance. His courageous devotion to duty reflects the highest credit on Corporal Shesky and the United States Naval Service.