The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jerome V. Wilson (MCSN: 820968), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a wireman serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau Group on 4 October 1944. Alert and resourceful, Private First Class Wilson performed his essential duties with outstanding efficiency and working tirelessly during the furious engagement, aided greatly in maintaining communications in the heavily besieged area of the battalion command post. Toward nightfall, when wire communications with a supporting unit failed he fearlessly advanced through a hazardous swamp area infested with Japanese machine gun and rifle snipers, laying wired as he crawled through the treacherous terrain and continuing his valiant efforts under the added hazard of darkness until mortally wounded by the merciless enemy machine gun fire. By his daring initiative, tenacious determination and undaunted courage in the face of terrific odds, Private First Class Wilson contributed materially to the success of our operations against this important Japanese stronghold and his resolute conduct throughout a period of fierce hostilities was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.