The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John E. Swanson (MCSN: 398866), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 17 June 1944. During a hostile night tank and infantry attack, Corporal Swanson bravely left the safety of his foxhole to attack the hostile tanks with antitank grenades, thereby rendering at least one of the vehicles inoperative. After his ammunition supply was depleted, he continued to move about his platoon sector through intense enemy fire to remove the wounded from the paths of the oncoming tanks. His courage, devotion to duty and grave concern for the welfare of others were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.