John Albert Decker

2nd Lieutenant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 004237 (January 4, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John A. Decker (MCSN: 227711), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 16 - 18 September 1944.
When his entire battalion was held up by a strongly emplaced enemy pillbox on 16 September, Second Lieutenant Decker courageously volunteered to neutralize it and, leading a small patrol on this hazardous mission, succeeded in destroying two hostile machine guns with their crews.
On the following day he led his rifle platoon in a furious assault against the ridge north of the airport and, upon discovering that an enemy machine gun farther up the crest was inflicting heavy casualties upon his flanking unit, daringly advanced alone under heavy fire and destroyed the hostile position with grenades.
During a severe enemy counterattack that same night, Second Lieutenant Decker was killed as he arose to throw a grenade at an advancing Japanese. His aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.