The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Harvey J. Skaugen (MCSN: 303642), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Radio Chief serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 18 September 1944. Realizing that heavy enemy sniper and rifle fire was seriously hampering the wire communication with one of the companies during an advance against the Japanese and fully aware that no wire team personnel was available to assist him, Staff Sergeant Skaugen unhesitatingly volunteered to lay wire to the isolated company despite the hazards imposed by the sniper-infested, extremely difficult terrain, but was mortally wounded by hostile machine-gun fire while carrying out his vital task. Staff Sergeant Skaugen’s splendid initiative and heroic devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.