J. R. Strain

Gunnery Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00435-45
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant J. R. Strain (MCSN: 272338), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Rifle Platoon Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Guam, Marianas Islands, 3 August 1944.
In company with his Platoon Leader who had just assumed command, Gunnery Sergeant Strain courageously advanced in the face of heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire to two hostile machine gun positions which had impeded the advance of his company.
Despite the great personal danger involved, he boldly assisted his Platoon Leader in destroying the enemy guns. Then, he proceeded to stand in the center of the road which was continually swept by the fire of our tanks to make possible the destruction of a hostile road block, remaining in his hazardous position until wounded.
By his fortitude, determination and aggressive fighting spirit, Gunnery Sergeant Strain upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.