The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gust A. Pappas (MCSN: 905612), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against Japanese forces on Tinian, Mariana Islands on 25 July 1944. Exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to halt the advance of hostile soldiers who were rushing our lines during an enemy counter attack. Private First Class Pappas fired his automatic rifle continuously at the Japanese until the main part of the attack was broken, never giving ground although many of them reached his position before being killed. His courage, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.