The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Joseph C. Fegan, Jr. (MCSN: 0-13485), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of M Battery, Fourth Battalion, Fourteenth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on June 15, 1944. Immediately upon landing, First Lieutenant Fegan boldly exposed himself to heavy and sustained enemy shelling to lead his battery into position and commence firing. By nightfall, with his entire emplacement under intense bombardment by shells and small-arms fire, he gallantly moved from one gun crew to another, encouraging and rallying his men and those in adjacent posts. Later, although wounded while going to the aid of a gun crew stricken by a direct hit, he bravely continued to lead his battery and direct effective fire on the enemy. By his outstanding courage, aggressive leadership and loyal devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Fegan served to inspire all who observed him, thereby reflecting the highest credit on himself and the United States Naval Service.