The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Conrad L. Van Diemen (MCSN: 325291), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Patrol of Company L, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 22 June 1944. Assigned the mission of attacking an enemy strongpoint, Private First Class Van Diemen led the assault and destroyed five of the enemy, thereby contributing directly to the annihilation of the strongpoint. Killing six more Japanese in a later engagement, he continued to render valiant service throughout the operation. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Van Diemen and the United States Naval Service.