The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Ellis N. Greene (MCSN: 291114), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during the occupation of enemy Japanese-held Guam Island in the Marianas, on 25 July 1944. Undaunted by the merciless rain of bullets when his unit was temporarily slowed down by a sudden concentration of shattering machine-gun fire. Platoon Sergeant Greene unhesitatingly placed himself in the lead with his platoon guide and shouting encouragement to his men as he fearlessly defied the deadly volleys from concealed Japanese positions, continued the bold assault over a dangerously exposed strategic ridge commanding the Asan-Adelup beachhead. Forging ahead in the face of the pounding enemy barrage, he succeeded in reaching his objective before he fell mortally wounded by a savage burst from a Japanese gun. An indomitable fighter, Platoon Sergeant Greene, by his forceful leadership, determined aggressiveness and great personal valor throughout five days of bitter combat on this fiercely contested base, contributed essentially to the ultimate conquest of the vital stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.