The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Stance Volak (MCSN: 271116), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Leader of a Mortar Platoon of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Tinian in the Marianas, on 25 and 28 July 1944. Braving a heavy enemy barrage when he observed a large number of hostile troops infiltrating close to our front lines during a furious Japanese counterattack on 25 July, Platoon Sergeant Volak moved forward to observe and direct the fire of his mortars and, bringing the full power of his weapons to bear on the enemy, skillfully blasted their position and aided materially in annihilating the Japanese force. With our advance temporarily halted by fanatic enemy resistance on 28 July, he held the fire of his platoon on the stubborn Japanese strong point despite painful wounds received in the bitter fire fight, steadfastly continuing his relentless attack and inflicting heavy casualties in support of his company’s vital mission. By his aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious determination in the face of terrific odds, Platoon Sergeant Volak contributed essentially to the ultimate conquest of this important Japanese base, and his undaunted courage and decisive conduct throughout a period of fierce hostilities upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.