The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Max Slepin (MCSN: 411140), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Service and Supply Company, Fourth Service Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese force on Namur, Kwajelein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 21 February 1944. Organizing and directing heavy and automatic weapons groups to reduce an enemy pillbox, Platoon Sergeant Slepin defied enemy fire to advance under covering fire from the members of his patrol and hurled several grenades into the emplacement. Boldly entering the dugout, he killed two of the enemy by gunfire before he was wounded and, although his weapon was rendered inoperable, attacked the remaining Japanese with his bayonet. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Slepin and the United States Naval Service.