Terence Stelges

Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 00489 (January 11, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Terence Stelges (MCSN: 277271), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while acting as Platoon Sergeant of an assault rifle company serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty Second Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, 24 July 1944.
Although mortally wounded when the battalion rear guard of which he was in charge was attacked by the enemy from surrounding heavy brush, Sergeant Stelges courageously and with aggressive determination directed his men against the numerically superior hostile forces and, by his expert tactical skill and inspiring leadership, completely disrupted the fierce attack and forced the Japanese to withdraw in disorder before he succumbed to his wounds.
Sergeant Stelges' splendid initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and unselfish devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.