The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Chester J. Stanek (MCSN: 530056), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tinian, Mariana Islands, on 1 August 1944. With the Regimental Observation Post pinned down by devastating enemy machine-gun fire, Private First Class Stanek unhesitatingly left his position of comparative safety and, valiantly exposed himself to the withering barrage, proceeded to the nearest friendly troops to secure aid for his comrades. Although mortally wounded while carrying out his hazardous mission, he succeeded in making his way back to his own lines to point out the position of the hostile emplacement before he succumbed to his wound. By his daring initiative and great personal valor in the face of grave peril, Private First Class Stanek enabled our troops to advance and destroy the machine-gun nest, thereby contributing to the saving of many lives. His selfless devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.