The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George R. Sleutel (MCSN: 337303), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery I, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, Tenth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 7 July 1944. Salvaging and repairing an enemy machine gun which he placed near his howitzer, Private First Class Sleutel advanced from his position to meet a counterattack by the enemy and, opening fire with his weapon, forced the Japanese from the front of his gun section, annihilating eight of the hostile group. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.