The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Francis J. Strothkamp (MCSN: 811688), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces, on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 8 July 1944. Repeatedly braving enemy machine-gun and mortar fire during an enemy counterattack on the beach below Kaberra Pass, Private First Class Strothkamp provided effective protection for his company’s machine guns. Although the flanks on both sides of his position were unprotected after several neighboring guns were knocked out, he continued to assist in repelling counterattacks and, by holding his position, kept the enemy from penetrating into the heart of our defense. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Strothkamp and the United States Naval Service.