The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Bruce Edgar Wakeley (MCSN: 988694), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Machine Gun Section of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 15 May 1945. Ordered to cover a rifle platoon as it pressed its attack across a wooded draw during his company’s furious assault in the Naha-Shuri sector, Private Wakeley instantly took the initiative when visual contact was lost with the advancing troops, unhesitatingly volunteering to go forward to locate the platoon whose exact position was unknown. Despite the grave hazards involved en route, he succeeded in locating the advancing troops and in obtaining the necessary information. Disregarding the warning that the return route was under heavy fire, Private Wakeley, stoutly determined to deliver the valuable message, started back to his section and although wounded in the arm after advancing only a few yards, persisted in his efforts until killed by enemy machine gun fire. His indomitable fighting spirit, daring initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Private Wakeley and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.