The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Austin Roger Brunelli (MCSN: 0-4640), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 18 June to 4 July 1944. A daring and courageous leader, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli boldly led his men against heavily fortified hostile positions and, engaging the enemy in furious combat, succeeded in gaining bitterly contested terrain. When two of his companies were reduced in strength by heavy Marine casualties and were forced to withdraw a short distance from the assigned objective after a day of continuous assault over almost impassable ground, he promptly made a personal reconnaissance in the face of savage fire and, skillfully reestablishing his lines, resumed contact with the adjacent units, thereby insuring the success of the day’s operations. Later on 28 and 29 June, when his battalion was ordered to fill a dangerous gap between two units, he again reconnoitered under enemy fire and, effectively directing his forces into position, launched a daring and successful attack. By his fearless leadership, cool courage and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of strong Japanese resistance, Lieutenant Colonel Brunelli contributed to the success of our forces on Saipan, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.