The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant John W. Whiteside (MCSN: 276498), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a platoon sergeant of Company F, Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 15 June 1944. When one squad of his platoon became separated from the remainder of his unit during the initial assault, platoon Sergeant Whiteside reported the situation to his platoon leader and voluntarily went alone armed only with his carbine, across four hundred yards of open ground to search for the missing men. Finding them after a hazardous search he returned them to their proper position on the platoon’s flank and directed their fire against the enemy closing in from the right, thereby aiding materially in strengthening a dangerously insecure position. Constantly in view and exposed to hostile fire while carrying out his mission he was fatally wounded. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Whiteside and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.