The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Harold E. Grasse (MCSN: 0-9693), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company F., Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 11 may 1945. Participating in an attack against a strong Japanese force entrenched on extremely rugged and commanding ground and heavily armed with mortars, grenades and automatic weapons, Captain Grasse courageously led his company to the battalion objective and, by frequently going in front of his own lines to direct the fire of tanks, enabled his company to seize and accomplish this dangerous mission, he sustained wounds which later became fatal. His outstanding Valor and unfaltering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Grasse and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Harold E. Grasse (MCSN: 0-9693), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands from 17 to 20 September 1944. Personally leading his company in assaults against well-fortified caves and emplacements, through intense heat, over precipitous coral terrain filled with entangled ravines and confusing ridges, Captain Grasse seized over six hundred yards of strategic ground, inflicting heavy losses on the Japanese and securing the commanding ridge which was his objective. Although his company had been greatly reduced by heavy casualties from intense hostile mortar and grenade barrages and heavy machine gun and rifle fire encountered throughout the action, he deployed his small forces skillfully upon seizing his objective on 19 September, and held the ridge despite continued heavy enemy fire until reinforcements arrived. His courageous leadership, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.