The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Bernard G. Simon (MCSN: 351342), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 17 September 1944. When his squad leader sustained wounds during an attack against a concentration of enemy pillboxes on the southwest peninsula of the island, Private First Class Simon reorganized his squad and continued the attack. Although painfully wounded in the shoulder during the operation, he steadfastly remained in the fierce action, refusing to be evacuated until the hostile forces were annihilated and the mission of his unit was successfully carried out. By his initiative and courage, Private First Class Simon contributed materially to the destruction of hostile defenses in this area, and his devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.