The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Luke A. Kingsley, Jr. (MCSN: 462788), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, Third Amphibious Corps, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. When his platoon was pinned down by intense enemy mortar, machine-gun and grenade fire from the far side of a ridge over which the platoon was attempting to advance, Private First Class Kingsley braved the enemy fire and advanced up the ridge where he inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy with his automatic rifle and directed the fire of his platoon. Although wounded seriously by hostile fire, he remained in his exposed position and delivered effective fire on the enemy for more than an hour before being evacuated. His aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Kingsley and the United States Naval Service.