The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private John W. Wilhoite (MCSN: 858186), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, Third Armored Amphibian Battalion (Provisional), Third Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 17 September 1944. Recovering an abandoned armored amphibious tractor, Private Wilhoite single-handedly drove the vehicle up to an active hostile pill box and calmly maneuvering the tractor into position left the controls to man the 75-mm. gun and completely destroy the pill box. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.