The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Richard G. Warga (MCSN: 0-7776), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a Detachment of the First Armored Amphibian Battalion, First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands on 21 July 1944. Leading his unit across a difficult reef in the initial assault on the island, Captain Warga pressed home his attacks against Japanese pill boxes lining the landing beaches and, defying enemy heavy caliber fire which destroyed five of his tanks, continued his assault and destroyed the hostile beach defenses. As out troop carrying tractors neared the beach he moved his tanks inland and covered the debarkation of the troops and as the troops moved inland, maneuvered his tanks under heavy fire to advance before the infantry, ferreting out and destroying enemy pill boxes until the terrain prevented the further advance of the tanks. Throughout the day, Captain Warga, placing his own tank in the lead of the unit and taking under heavy fire every target that appeared, coolly directed his men and, despite heavy losses, effectively reorganized his forces. His leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.