The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Grover C. Townsend (MCSN: 295654), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rocket Launcher Operator of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 15 September 1944. Skillfully using his bazooka and exposing himself to hostile fire while moving to positions of advantage along his company’s front lines, Corporal Townsend contributed materially to the break-up of an enemy tank counter attack. Always present where the Japanese were concentrated, he continued to fight without first aid despite wounds received in battle until the tank attack had been repulsed. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.