The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Palmer F. Strausser (MCSN: 315489), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during combat with enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on December 29, 1943. Although fully aware of the danger involved in such a hazardous operation, Private First Class Strausser unhesitatingly volunteered to charge a Japanese sniper position well entrenched in the roots of a large banyan tree. While courageously making the advance toward the enemy emplacement, he was fatally wounded. Private First Class Strausser’s daring initiative and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.