Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Jack B. LaBerge (MCSN: 353614), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 16 and 16 September 1944. When his rifle platoon was pinned down by intense hostile fire from forward Japanese pillboxes, Sergeant LaBerge skillfully maneuvered his section to an advantageous position to deliver extremely effective fire and neutralize the enemy positions, thereby making it possible for his platoon to move forward and evacuate casualties. Although wounded himself during this encounter, he continued to hold this precarious position until it became untenable. On the night of 16 September, still refusing evacuation, he held a position on the extreme left flank against a fierce enemy counter-attack and despite a second severe wound, remained at his post until the Japanese had been annihilated. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.