The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Stephen Stankovich (MCSN: 420962), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Platoon Guide of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 14 May 1945. When his platoon commander became a casualty during a vicious enemy night attack on our forces occupying Sugar Loaf Hill, Corporal Stankovich voluntarily braved devastating enemy fire to advance and assumed control of the platoon. Despite the intensity of the enemy fire, he continued to direct the efforts of his men, persisting in his courageous conduct until the hostile attack was repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy. By his courageous and determined leadership, Corporal Stankovich upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.