The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Albert J. Slate, Jr. (MCSN: 287440), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Weapons Company, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 17 June 1944. Despite heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Slate placed his 37-mm. gun between the cross-fire of Two Japanese pillboxes and set it up directly in the fire zone of an enemy 3-inch fieldpiece which was holding up the advance of a neighboring Regiment. Courageously directing his crew in a point-blank duel with the hostile weapon, he skillfully fought his gun until the Japanese piece was completely destroyed. By his indomitable fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty, Sergeant Slate contributed materially to the advance of the Regiment and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.