The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John C. Stieferman (MCSN: 412400), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Fire Team in an Assault Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Taking command when his squad leader and several others became casualties shortly after landing, Corporal Stieferman reorganized the remnants of the squad and led a fierce assault on enemy positions defending the north end of the beach. Observing that his platoon was suffering casualties from an enemy machine gun in a pillbox, he led his men forward against the strong point and accurately hurling a hand grenade, personally killed three Japanese protecting the outside of the pillbox. Then, waging a direct assault against the position, he succeeded in capturing the pillbox. Although painfully wounded by a grenade during the action, he steadfastly refused evacuation until the strong point had been taken and its occupants destroyed. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Stieferman and the United States Naval Service.