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 Private First Class Jess G. Hall (MCSN: 819310), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Fire Team in Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced) in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands on 15 and 16 September 1944. Attacking with his platoon against enemy positions defending the north end of the beach, Private First Class Hall led his team in an assault on a hostile pill box whose heavy machine gun had been inflicting severe casualties on his platoon. After a fierce hand to hand conflict, he succeeded in capturing the pill box, killed its occupants and with marked initiative set up the gun in a strategic position launching an assault against another Japanese pill box which was impeding the progress of an adjacent squad. So effective was his fire that the position was neutralized and the friendly troops were able to advance with considerably less opposition. When his squad leader was wounded during the ensuing battle to defend our newly won positions against three furious hostile counter attacks, he unhesitatingly assumed command and so inspired and directed his men that he contributed immeasurably to the successful repulse of the enemy force. His outstanding courage, skilled leadership and valiant fighting spirit in the face of heavy odds reflect great credit upon Private First Class Hall and the United States Naval Service.