The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John J. Murphy, Jr. (MCSN: 0-29316), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, from 21 to 24 July 1944. Exhibiting cool courage on 24 July, Second Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy in order to draw fire and discover the location of their positions, enabling his platoon to knock out a strong Japanese pillbox and a machine gun protected by eighteen riflemen. Although sustaining painful wounds in his foot while attempting to locate a third enemy position, he continued to direct his troops against the hostile strong point until he received two additional wounds in the leg. His inspiring leadership, fortitude and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Murphy and the United States Naval Service.