The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Fred Dale Beans (MCSN: 0-4532), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 15 to 20 April 1945. Called upon to replace the Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, killed in action during a critical period of the Battalion’s operations, Lieutenant Colonel Beans assumed command of the badly shaken Battalion during a fierce fire fight and, leading his men under intense hostile fire, accomplished the mission of capturing the enemy bastion of Mount Yaetake. Capitalizing on the advantage gained, he continued the attack throughout the following day to complete the destruction of the Japanese force. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Beans and the United States Naval Service.