The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Owen H. Bahnken (NSN: 7039735), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Corpsman attached to the FOURTH Marine Division at Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Bahnken served the company to which he was attached with skill and coolness which inspired those around him throughout the operation. On 17 June, he served his company through a day-long battle when all the other Corpsmen had become casualties and replacements were not available. He worked up and down the front lines, constantly exposing himself to enemy fire, and covered an area usually served by three Corpsmen. He repeatedly went forward to treat and evacuate to safety men who were wounded in exposed positions. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.