The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John J. Trimble (MCSN: 350199), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Wireman of an 81-mm Mortar Platoon serving with an assault rifle company of the Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Fonte Hill, Guam, Mariana Islands on 25 July 1944. Although seriously wounded in the right arm while repairing a broken telephone wire, Private First Class Trimble stoically disregarded his painful condition and requested permission continue his work of maintaining a system of communication with the platoon. Permitted to return to his duties after receiving first aid he again courageously exposed himself to a withering barrage of heavy enemy fire, laying, splicing and repairing telephone wire as fast as it was broken by hostile mortar fire until he was fatally wounded by an accurate burst from Japanese guns. By his skillful maintenance of vital communications between the assault rifle company and the supporting mortar platoon, Private First Class Trimble contributed materially to the success of our forces in this strategic war area. His great personal courage and unflinching devotion to duty 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.