The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Stratis C. Vasilakos (MCSN: 344797), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Group Leader serving with the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palan Islands, 20 September 1944. When a concealed heavy enemy machine gun inflicted several casualties and seriously delayed an attack by our forces on a steep, coral ridge, Private First Class Vasilakos unhesitatingly moved forward in the face of intense hostile fire, sought out the Japanese weapon and engaged it with the fire of his group, subsequently proceeding alone to within grenade range of the enemy position and effectively silencing it with hand grenades and rifle fire before he was mortally wounded. Private First Class Vasilakos’ splendid initiative and indomitable fighting spirit enabled his squad to penetrate deep into hostile defenses and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.